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quickmarshmallow fluffmarshmallow recipemarshmallow squaresmary queen of scottsmashmallow fillingmasterpiecemeal delivery programmeal plan deliverymeal solutionsmeals in a jarmeasurement of successmeat deliverymediterranean chickenmeet temperaturesmelatonin for sleepmelted snowman cookiesmemoriesmemory foam loungermenmen's giftsmens giftsmental healthmeringue recipemesotheliomamessagingmexican cooking saucesminecraftmini fridge reviewminiature foodminion cakemint chip ice creammobilemobile batterymobile devicemodel car racingmodelsmodern aquariummodern beddingmodern contemporary furnituremold and mildewmolten lava cakemomaysmommas mondays homemomomma mondaysmoneymonroe and mainmonsters popcornmonsters university charactersmonthly beauty boxmonthly dog boxmorkiemorningstar farmsmortgagemoviemovie candiesmovie snackmovie snacksmr.selfridgemud masquemuddy buddiesmulti piece canvasmulti-color dessertsmulti-device chargingmultitaskingmuscle building foodmusic and lovemusic appsmusicalmust try us restaurantsmy blog shttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifparkmy little ponynachosnail colornail subscription boxnail vernisnailsnathan for younational park photographynative american jewelrynatural beautynatural disasternatural energynatural energy drinknatural energy smoothienatural fruit barsnatural fruit popsiclesnatural haircarenatural jerkynatural oral carenatural seasoningnatural skincarenatural sleep remediesnatural toothpastencaanerd apparelnestle holiday recipenew air coolernew babynew candy barnew dognew yearnew years resolutionnibblr boxno contract datano contract phoneno preservativesno saltno sugar drinksnomad sleepnutella fudgenutritionoil changeoil paintingold factory candlesold school postonion ring recipeonline classesonline couponsonline glassesonline medicationonline pharmaciesonline schoolonline talk showonline video gamesoral healthoral irrigatororeo cookie muffinoreo cupcakesoreo recipeoreo truffleorganic skincareorigin of cat beardingottoman bedsoutdoor 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consoleplus shoe sizesplush craftpocket dresspointspokemon costumespolka dot cakepolka-dot cakepollen. allergypop artpopcorn party mixpopcorn recipepopcorn snackspopsiclepopular electronicspore purifying mud masquepork jerkyportable chargerportable coolerportable hard drivepositive reinforcementpositive reinforcement dog trainingpostcardspot-sized pastapotato chip recipepotato chipspotty trainingpower savingprep for summerprepaidprepaid dataprepaid insuranceprepaid phonesprepare for color runpreservative free skincarepresspreventative maintenancepreviewprimerprint dressesprintable couponprintable recipesprofessional color careprofessional haircareprofessional photo tipsprojectprojectsprotective gearprotein bakerypublixpulled pork crepespulse massagerpumpkin nutella fudgepumpkin recipepuppy trainingpurinapurple cow floatpurple dresspurple hairquick recipesrace bibrace displayracing hobbyrainy day activitiesranch mashed potatoesrapid beverage chillerrawreal dramarecipes for ice creamrecommended vitaminsrecycled bakewarerecycled foil productsred dessertsred dot award winnerred hairred velvetred velvet M&Msred velvet cheesecakered velvet recipesreduce static clingreignrelieving painremote control vehiclesremote controlled toysremote racingremovable wall art kidsrepel lintrepel pet hairrereviewresponsibly sourced pet foodretro clothingretro eye worksretro jewelryrevewribeyerice krispie ideasring candlesrise of the sea dragonrobot toysrobotic dinorobotic dogrocking scooterroll upsromanceromantic dinner ideasromantic dinner inromantic photosroom rentalsroot beer floatroot beer floatsrotary trimmerrubber chicken purserx glassess reviewsafari printsafe sense shreddersalad kitsalad recipesalessalmon recipesalmon recipessalted caramelsams club dealssan ferminsandalssandwichsandwich recipessanitizesanta ana'sscallop recipescarfscenicscented oilsci-fi televisionseafood recipesears styleseasonalself cleaning tankselfie sticksensitive skinsensu brushsequin masksetting up a new aquariumshark iceshark punchshave gelshavingshaving tipsshine and sealshish kabobsshoesshoes size 9+shop your wayshoppingshower aromatherapyshower diffusershrimp pastashrimp pasta recipeshrimp scampisimple blondie recipesimple recipesingle burn logsingle cup brewersingle cup brewerssingle cup iced teasize 12 shoesskoshboxsleepsleep apniasleep helpsleep sound treatmentsleep systemslouchy hobosmart humidifiersmartphone photographysmilesmiley 360smiley bloggersmooth legssmoothie recipesmore cookiesmoressmores giftssmores muffinssmores. camping aidssnack deliverysnack ideassnack portionssnack recipessnack subscriptionsnapple k-cupsnickers moltensnowman cookiessocal fashionsocial sharingsodastreamsolar lightsolo sticksoup kitchensourdough breadsouthern californiasoy candlesoy candlessoymilk recipespace shuttle endeavorspare ribssparkling waterspecialty meatspencers giftsspinach stuffedspine healthsplit end caresplit endsspongebobspongebob aquariumspongebob fish tanksportssports appetizerssports gearspringspring break activitiesspring break craftsspring break projectspring dessertsspring fashionspring pie recipespring recipesspring trendsspritzersprizzispy gear for kidssriously friendly oral caresriracha recipesstand 'n stuffstar wars petstar wars pet costumesstarter fishstatement jewelrysteak and potatoessteak recipesteak sidesteakssteam punkstephen kingstickersstocking stuffersstrawberriesstrawberry cheesecakestrawberry creamstrawberry fruit barsstrawberry piestrawberry recipestudent healthstuffed peppers recipestyling a dressstylussubscription boxessubscription oxessubscription servicesuccesssugarsugar alternativessugar cookiessugar freesummer bbqsummer projects for kidssummertime shaving tipssunscreensurf apparelsurveyssushi dessertsweet cornsweet corn ice creamsweetheart dressswiss omelett mobile 4gt mobile free tablet datat-shirt blankettable manners for kidstablet casetablet insurancetaco bell bottlestaco nighttailgatingtailgating at hometalenti e gelattotalenti slated carameltampon boxtax timeteam momtech organizationtechniquetechno bearstechnology accessoriesteen beddingteenage televisionteensteens giftstens treatmenttequila lamptermite problemstermites at hometextingthai cookingthai recipesthanksthe crossthe cwthinning hairthursdaytipstmobile data plantmobile free 200mbtmobile free datatoddler beddingtoddler confidencetoddlerstoilet caretoilet tree productstomato souptomoson reviewtoothpastetop 2013 moviestortugatottletournamenttoy reviewtraditional blog entrytrail mixtrainingtravel Missouritravel Oregontravel lodgingtravel shavertravelingtreatstres lechestri tip in the oventri tip recipetriple repairtriptychtrix krispiestropicaltroubleshootingtrue smooth serumtrusttrusted dog treatstry it free rebatetuesdayturkey alternativeturkey bowlturn your tv into a smart tvtutorialtuxedo cattv reviewtv showstweenstweens giftstweens room decorunder the domeundercooked chickenunderwear cookiesunique baked giftsupcycled giftsupcyclingupdateusb charging dockusbcuv protectionvacation tips with kidsvacuum clanervacuum sealervalentine's storyvalentines photo ideasvalentines photosvegetable juicevegetarian cookingvelveetavelveeta cheesevelveeta recipes team spiritvernisveterinary visitsvintage bathing suitsvintage dressesvintage inspired dressesvintage weddingvirus protectionvisavolcanovolcano kitswaffle baconwall canvaswall decalswall stickers for kidswalmart mobilewasabiwashable pet totewater dispenserwater flossingwatermelon cakewatermelon juicewax candlesway to wellweatherweb showsweekly blog hopweight loss deliveryweight loss planwelsh cakeswhat I'm watchingwhite cheddarwhite chocolate mandmswhite elephantwhite teethwhiteningwhitening at homewhitening trayswhole grain pastawhoopie pie fillingwiener mobilewindows appswine bottle lampswine chillerwine coolerwings cakewinter bootswinter shoeswisdomwitty shirtswomen careerswomen powerwomen's clothingwomen's frameswomen’s razorswood watchworldwide orphansworth a watchwriting utensilsx4 stunt copteryard twisteryoung girls fashionzales holidayzales musiczales soundtrackzeldazibbet handmade miniatureszombie barfzombie braceletzombie cakezombie charmzombie jewelryzombie labzombie recipezombiesMomma Told MeA retrospective lifestyle blog taking Momma's words and applying them to the modern family.http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/noreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)Blogger1869125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-8425039810935971317Sat, 28 Feb 2015 21:44:00 +00002015-02-28T13:44:02.917-08:00dramahistorical dramanetflixtechwhat I'm streamingWhat I'm Streaming: Bomb Girls- Netflix, Seasons 1-2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: Bomb Girls, Seasons 1-2 on Netflix. A historical based drama showcasing the women of a Canadian munitions plant during World War II." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIMQAfjokbY/VPIwvPrx0OI/AAAAAAAA2CU/B9vt5Z4_yyQ/s1600/Bombgirls%2BA.png" title="" /></div><br />I won't lie, the last time I followed a show consisting of a primarily female cast in strong thought provoking roles it was The 'L' Word on Showtime. I generally don't get into fictional dramas focusing on female dynamics because, well, they always seem to skew the characters in a less than authentic manner. Modern women face much adversity today, even as free and 'equal' as we may seem at a general glance, and activists will argue that even the inspirational roles of female actresses are cannibalized in the spectrum of sex sells or propaganda. What's even harder to watch is when a woman, or group of women, are played to seem the victims of their circumstance. So, if you prefer a slightly gritty, truth inspired, fictional drama that offers a well rounded look at the evolution of women, look no further than Bomb Girls.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: Bomb Girls, Seasons 1-2 on Netflix. A historical based drama showcasing the women of a Canadian munitions plant during World War II." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4gbohat_7c/VPIw221pXpI/AAAAAAAA2Cc/Hv-puFS6XG8/s1600/Bombgirls%2BC.png" title="" /></div>A Canadian drama that originally aired in 2012 with the intentions of being a mini-series, turned 2 season show, <i>Bomb Girls</i> is a beautifully cast period piece that tells the story of women at work during World War II. While the characters themselves are fictional, all were built upon the mold of real women and their unique struggle through a revolutionary period in time where women boldly moved forward in new roles outside the home. Centered around the workers of a Canadian munitions (bombs to be specific) factory, the characters range from a sheltered preacher's daughter with a dark past to a spoiled socialite struggling to find herself useful in a time of great need.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: Bomb Girls, Seasons 1-2 on Netflix. A historical based drama showcasing the women of a Canadian munitions plant during World War II." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvbIHMnK8jc/VPIw8JAXSBI/AAAAAAAA2Ck/bV6W84b6VWc/s1600/Bombgirls%2BD.png" title="" /></div>Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of this show (outside of the gorgeous wardrobe) is the way in which all of the Victory Munitions (VicMu) workers become truly a family despite each and every woman's unique individual struggle with their own identity. At a time where women had previously been resigned to the title of 'gossiping betties' at the local grocer checkout, the very real danger and importance of their present tasks and responsibilities makes from some genuine fireworks and ultimately moving triumphs. I especially enjoyed noting, while each woman had clearly defined strengths, none were without flaws. Sure Vera Burr's label as a 'Patriotute' is quite shocking even in today's time, but the emotional journey of her character alone was enough to keep me returning each episode.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: Bomb Girls, Seasons 1-2 on Netflix. A historical based drama showcasing the women of a Canadian munitions plant during World War II." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1w745IepZg/VPIxP4cQuGI/AAAAAAAA2Cs/rOypLlSLLCI/s1600/Bombgirls%2BB.png" title="" /></div><i>Bomb Girls</i> is a drama that has a little bit of everything from gorgeous young soldiers to determined women fighting for recognition and equal rights. My only real complaint is that the series wasn't picked up for a 3rd season and, despite promises for a 2 hour film conclusion, remains a bit unfinished at the end of the second season. In all, however, <i>Bomb Girls</i> has inspired me to delve a little deeper into the history behind these fictional characters and I've been truly inspired by the truth they were built on. It's indeed inspiring seeing how women have come so far, and fought so hard, even among the struggles of today! Catch seasons 1 and 2 of <i>Bomb Girls</i> on Netflix now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEJBIJxbUQc/VPI2d9FnxHI/AAAAAAAA2C8/NYO7w1ZEHIA/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEJBIJxbUQc/VPI2d9FnxHI/AAAAAAAA2C8/NYO7w1ZEHIA/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/what-im-streaming-bomb-girls.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-1499569507894184973Fri, 27 Feb 2015 05:00:00 +00002015-02-26T21:00:00.188-08:00#CollectiveBias#MaYourTax#shop4g LTEGalaxyLowest Priced Unlimited PlansSamsungsmartphonestax timetechUnlimited Talk Text and Data/WebWalmart Best Plans#MaxYourTax Refund All Year Round With Unlimited 4G LTE + Walmart Family MobileThis shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MaxYourTax #CollectiveBias<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#MaxYourTax with affordable smartphone devices and 4G LTE unlimited plans starting as low as $29.88 a month (for the first line,) with Walmart Family Mobile. #ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4MkKLRe6VdM/VO9jxbFSIHI/AAAAAAAA2As/bwZur_jqIJ4/s1600/%23MaxYourTax%2BWalmart%2BFamily%2BMobile%2B%23ad%2B(5).png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">There's no season for common sense.</span></b></span></span><br /><br />While many of my friends and family are springing last minute dinner invitations on me, and making extended vacation plans, thanks to their generous IRS tax refunds, I had the pleasure of paying taxes this year. Those of you familiar with me know I would never be caught unexpected in a large debt, so I naturally have been stuffing 'tax money' away all year from my at home income. However not everybody is as prepared as Momma raised me to be. One of the ways we saved money last year was through our amazingly convenient and affordable no-contract smartphone service with Walmart Family Mobile. For year we had wanted modern smartphones to help us multi-task with our busy careers, but found the data costs and hidden fees could be overwhelming.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#MaxYourTax with affordable smartphone devices and 4G LTE unlimited plans starting as low as $29.88 a month (for the first line,) with Walmart Family Mobile. #ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKMiztB0HeQ/VO9j9rXmFOI/AAAAAAAA2A0/ELh8NZm9wc0/s1600/%23MaxYourTax%2BWalmart%2BFamily%2BMobile%2B%23ad%2B(4).png" title="" /></div>When I signed up for <a href="http://walmart.com/cp/Family-Mobile/1076544" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walmart Family Mobile</a> I was sure to tell all of my friends and family. Not only was it such a painless process (I could shop the latest smartphone handsets at great prices while picking up the groceries at my Walmart Supercenter) but the rate structure was easy to understand and more than affordable. For a long time Jay envied my smartphone device until, at last, he made the switch with a brand new Samsung Galaxy S4 and unlimited talk, text, and data/web last Fall. Walmart Family Mobile proved revolutionary to our family, in 2013 we couldn't even dream of owning such new devices with 4G support, and in 2014 we were able to connect with friends and family unlike ever before thanks to our Galaxy smartphones and Walmart Family Mobile.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BohdHufghB0/VO9kCMQU22I/AAAAAAAA2A8/zQrBsPPnsqs/s1600/%23MaxYourTax%2BWalmart%2BFamily%2BMobile%2B%23ad%2B(3).png"><img alt="#MaxYourTax with affordable smartphone devices and 4G LTE unlimited plans starting as low as $29.88 a month (for the first line,) with Walmart Family Mobile. #ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BohdHufghB0/VO9kCMQU22I/AAAAAAAA2A8/zQrBsPPnsqs/s1600/%23MaxYourTax%2BWalmart%2BFamily%2BMobile%2B%23ad%2B(3).png" title="" /></a></div>Unfortunately, the service and phone were almost too good- Jay found himself relying on the clear 4G coverage and smartphone's capabilities even more than his work handset. Not only could the device multitask and organize his work tasks for him, but it proved to have the stable bars he needed to stay in contact with his boss while patrolling the marina (a reminder that he works private security.) Then, one day, not wearing the belt clip phone case we had picked up for him at Walmart, his fairly new and shiny Galaxy S4 went tumbling off the docks and into the fairly deep bay waters below. While it was not my phone, I was devastated to see such a shiny new device lost.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#MaxYourTax with affordable smartphone devices and 4G LTE unlimited plans starting as low as $29.88 a month (for the first line,) with Walmart Family Mobile. #ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag-YDlCEg4E/VO9kHEWiG4I/AAAAAAAA2BE/FK4UFWjvy8s/s1600/%23MaxYourTax%2BWalmart%2BFamily%2BMobile%2B%23ad%2B(7).png" title="" /></div>With tax time around the corner Jay was expecting a refund, but fairly limited in current cash flow. We headed to Walmart to pick up an affordable 'frills free' smartphone handset for less than $50. The Samsung Galaxy Exhibit was still a name brand smartphone with many modern features but a lot less of a gamble should it go tumbling into the marina at work. We also switched him over to the new $29.88/month (for the first line) unlimited talk/text/data plan with 500 MB of 4G LTE data, so he could put a little extra away each month while he saved up for his replacement Samsung Galaxy S4. Of course he fully planned on putting some of that nice tax refund money towards his replacement handset too!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#MaxYourTax with affordable smartphone devices and 4G LTE unlimited plans starting as low as $29.88 a month (for the first line,) with Walmart Family Mobile. #ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYnCnxJd9R8/VO9kLKVhreI/AAAAAAAA2BM/bSDk_7lplUk/s1600/%23MaxYourTax%2BWalmart%2BFamily%2BMobile%2B%23ad%2B(6).png" title="" /></div>Now that tax season is officially here and his refund check has rolled in he'll be doing 2 things; taking me out to dinner (of course) and stopping by Walmart to pick up his new Samsung Galaxy S4. The general plan is to swap the SIM cards for service into his existing WFM Samsung <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Walmart-Family-Mobile-Samsung-Galaxy-Exhibit-Smartphone/30532018" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Galaxy Exhibit</a> for use at work, and transition the SIM card back into the Galaxy S4 for after work and days off. Having an affordable backup smartphone is always a great idea, but especially necessary when you work around water (as we learned the hard way.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#MaxYourTax with affordable smartphone devices and 4G LTE unlimited plans starting as low as $29.88 a month (for the first line,) with Walmart Family Mobile. #ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiYY_MY5RRc/VO9kRSM0ETI/AAAAAAAA2BU/PCUraAgpcbE/s1600/%23MaxYourTax%2BWalmart%2BFamily%2BMobile%2B%23ad%2B(1).png" title="" /></div>If you're not in the market for a Galaxy S4, need a backup handset for knocking about and work, or trying upgrade to your first smartphone device Walmart has some amazing smartphone price rollbacks just in time for tax season. Just check out these unbelievable smartphone prices for use with their no-contract Unlimited Text/Talk/Data <a href="http://walmart.com/cp/Family-Mobile/1076544" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4G LTE plans</a>:<br /><ul><li>ZTE Zinger - $19.84 (was $39.88) – New price (organically weave in!)</li><li>Nokia Lumia 530 - $49.88 (was $69.88)</li><li>Samsung Galaxy Exhibit - $49.84 (was $99.88)</li><li>Nokia 635 - $79.84 (was $129.88)</li><li>LG L90 - $99.82 (was $179.88)</li><li>Galaxy Avant - $149.00 (was $199.99)</li><li>ZTE ZMAX - $179.00 (was $199.88)</li><li>Alcatel Fierce 2 - $119.00 (was $129.99)</li><li>Alcatel Evolve 2- $39.83 (was $59.88)<i> </i></li></ul><i><b>Disclaimer: </b>All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to </i><a data-original-title="" href="http://cbi.as/aafid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">http://cbi.as/aafid</a> or<i> your local Walmart for current pricing.</i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#MaxYourTax with affordable smartphone devices and 4G LTE unlimited plans starting as low as $29.88 a month (for the first line,) with Walmart Family Mobile. #ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhjW_I-YmAs/VO9kWr6aAyI/AAAAAAAA2Bc/qLKAOPg3gzI/s1600/%23MaxYourTax%2BWalmart%2BFamily%2BMobile%2B%23ad%2B(2).png" title="" /></div>Smartphones can be an investment but your smartphone 4G LTE plan doesn't have to be one. Lock in unbelievable low month to month rates with Walmart Family Mobile and put your tax refund to good use. Or, if you're like me and paying the IRS this month, shave a few pennies off your smartphone budget with the amazing $29.88 (first line) Unlimited Talk/Text/Data 4G LTE plan at Walmart. Best of all, you can walk into any local Walmart Supercenter today and set up you new smartphone and Family Mobile service in just minutes for instant gratification. <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>What are some ways you're planning on putting your tax refund to good use this year?</b></i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says:<span style="color: #e06666;"> Whether you're getting money back, or shelling it out, be kind on your wallet all year round with affordable smartphone 4G LTE plans from Walmart Family Mobile.</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArBBKv0A9Pg/VO-EMbUP0BI/AAAAAAAA2Bs/eStQz1oPKdE/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArBBKv0A9Pg/VO-EMbUP0BI/AAAAAAAA2Bs/eStQz1oPKdE/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/maxyourtax-refund-all-year-round-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-1112475397212895663Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:51:00 +00002015-02-24T12:51:40.085-08:00cashew recipeclean eatingDessertfoodiehealthy livingnutritionorganicPaleorawrecipeSnickersveganVegan Paleo Mock Snickers Bars Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Vegan Paleo Mock Snickers Bars are low sugar and simply indulgent with their raw cacao base!" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKKka_2Y4v4/VOzgE_KHM0I/AAAAAAAA2AI/VZo2_b3aS2k/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BBSM.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">When you get bored, challenge yourself.</span></b></span></span><br /><br />While you certainly see a fair range of indulgent, not so good for you, treats and recipes cross your screen on this blog, I have found that anyone truly can cook scrumptious food. As Paula Deen infers adding a pat of butter to any recipe will surely make it instantly more delicious. And, while out <a href="http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/circus-animal-cookie-truffles.html">Circus Animal Cookie Truffles</a> have gotten decent traffic on Pinterest, I shudder every time I see or create a recipe that is merely mashing 2 or 3 already delicious ingredients together. Do you drizzle hot fudge on ice cream and call it a recipe? Yes, even I have my limits.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gM0gwoB4HvE/VOzRrdaztbI/AAAAAAAA1-8/a8HLVsxQ3KI/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BIngredients%2BA.png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gM0gwoB4HvE/VOzRrdaztbI/AAAAAAAA1-8/a8HLVsxQ3KI/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BIngredients%2BA.png" /></a></div>While making indulgent treats is satisfying, and I surely will continue to play with simple recipes that wow the eyes and tickle the taste buds in unexpected ways, I've recently found myself a little bored in the kitchen. I've also recently re-joined a local gym. Before you start congratulating me, I'll be the first to admit getting heart healthy is a multi-part journey and daily workouts will only go as far as overall health and core attainment. I'm not quite ready to turn in my frozen yogurt spoon, but these two ripples in my life have made me more aware of the dietary needs of others around me.<br /><img alt="Pit Medjool Dates by creating a vertical cut with a lightly oiled paring knife." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtriOQdq7ZU/VOzRzKFRLqI/AAAAAAAA1_E/C4X8sNxgE4o/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BDates%2BB.png" title="" />Every Thursday I bake something to share here on the blog, and bring it into the bowling alley for our mixed adult bowling league. Our teams are comprised of men and women, young and old, from all walks of life. As delicious as my sweet treats are, not everyone can enjoy them. We have several diabetics I try to accommodate with recipe variations, and now a team that is taking on a month long Paleo challenge. Couple this with our close friend who is celebrating a year as a Vegan and you have the perfect storm of recipe challenges. So I set out to create a No Sugar Added Paleo Vegan Friendly dessert recipe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Pitting Medjool Dates" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ5lq1UPbuE/VOzR3s7ThyI/AAAAAAAA1_M/TazQzGC7DYc/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BDates%2BA.png" title="" /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-mPtZ1ITBk/VOzR3hwaC7I/AAAAAAAA1_Q/-gp6Z8epAl8/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BCacao.png" /></div>The more I researched the more I learned that several of the key ingredients in cooking for each need overlapped- the exception being Honey, which is considered an animal byproduct to most modern Vegans. For those unfamiliar with Paleo, which is actually a way of living more than a literal 'weight loss' style diet, the terms are fairly flexible to the person committing to it.<br /><br />At it's core Paleo individuals do not consume processed or artificial foods and attempt to eat ingredients that would closely mimic that of a caveman's. This means a diet rich in protein and nutrient dense core ingredients like grass few beef, wild caught seafood and vegetables. Most Paleo followers will avoid sugar, gluten, and generally anything with 'artificial' in the ingredients list. While it can be fairly complex, depending on the person, consider it close to an Organic, low&nbsp; sugar, gluten free diet that tends to lean towards raw or minimally handled ingredients.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Vegan Paleo Mock Snickers Bars are low sugar and simply indulgent with their raw cacao base!" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7fbYjT3ArI/VOzR9L9rU0I/AAAAAAAA1_c/eBkSZS2zJTg/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BLayers.png" title="" /></div>Many low sugar recipes and Paleo recipes will substitute several typical ingredients with coconut- which can tend to be an allergen for some. If you are suing coconut oil, butter, or flour in a recipe always make the recipients aware when serving. While most coconut allergies deal more directly with the pulp of the plant, raw oils can cause mild allergic reactions and should always be disclosed. If you are cooking low sugar and sweetening with a recipe that calls for honey, but would like a Vegan substitute, in most cases Maple Syrup will be a great alternative. There is also a Vegan apple <a href="http://beefreehonee.com/" rel="nofollow">plant based honey</a>, which is entirely bee free, called Honee, sold online and in many organic or Whole Foods stores.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRs9yFR3lGo/VOzTXylJ5fI/AAAAAAAA1_o/VhXUsBpN-hQ/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BDate%2BCaramel.png"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRs9yFR3lGo/VOzTXylJ5fI/AAAAAAAA1_o/VhXUsBpN-hQ/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BDate%2BCaramel.png" /></a></div>Acquiring the ingredients to cook just one of these categories (Vegan, Paleo, Sugar Free) will often cost a fair penny. The good news is that you can acquire nearly any ingredient necessary at Whole Foods, or a similar store, and in portions that will easily stretch through multiple recipes. If you're looking to begin cooking, or dabbling with, these categories, consider each shopping trip an investment. Chances are your spice rack wasn't built overnight, and neither will this arsenal of cooking tools.<br /><br />These Vegan Paleo Mock Snickers Bars contain no added sweetener (aside from the natural Honee plant based sugars) and a dash of Agave syrup may be added to any layer if you desire a slightly sweeter end result. My bowling mates rarely ever question what I've made each week and these bites/bars disappeared quickly! Several people were floored to hear just how 'good for you' this dessert was, and a few even asked for the recipe. So, if you're in the fence, I'd say it's definitely a recipe worth trying. Not only are these the perfect treat (a little goes a long way to satisfy) but they can be frozen for enjoyment later as well! <span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Do you have, or know anyone with, any special dietary restrictions you struggle to cook for?</i></b></span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">This year I'm going to challenge myself in all aspects of my life, not because I need to, but because I want to!</span><i><br /></i></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />fdsfsd<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Vegan Paleo Mock Snickers Bars are low sugar and simply indulgent with their raw cacao base!" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSapubxWGCY/VOzTlb_Sy-I/AAAAAAAA1_4/8pk3zkzI338/s1600/Vegan%2BPaleo%2BSnickers%2BASM.png" title="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vegan Paleo Mock Snickers Bars</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>*** Click here for printable <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mommatoldmeblog/vegan-paleo-mock-snickers-bars?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" rel="nofollow">Mock Snickers Bars</a> recipe.</b></i></div><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Chocolate Layer-</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 C Coconut Oil, Melted</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 C Raw Cacao Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TBS <a href="http://beefreehonee.com/" rel="nofollow">Honee</a> (Plant Based Honey Substitute) Or Maple Syrup</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TSP Maca Powder (Supplement, May Be Omitted)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TBS Raw Cacao Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TBS Agave Syrup (Optional)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Nougat Layer-</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 C Smooth, Raw, Cashew Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 C Coconut Butter (Not Oil)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TBS <a href="http://beefreehonee.com/" rel="nofollow">Honee</a> (Plant Based Honey Substitute) or Maple Syrup</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 TSP Pure Vanilla Extract</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Caramel Layer-</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 C Pitted Medjool Dates (You will likely have to pit them yourself)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 C Smooth Roasted Cashew Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TBS Coconut Oil, Melted</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TBS Lukewarm Water</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dash of Pink Himilayan Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Topping-</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 C Roasted Salted Cashew Nuts</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Place Cacao Butter and Coconut Oil in double boiler and allow to melt thoroughly, whisking occasionaly. When melted whisk in Honee/Maple Syrup, Cacao Powder, and Maca. Pour mixture into a lined 9 x 9 baking dish. Allow to set in fridge for 45 MINS- 1 HOUR.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Place all raw cashew butter and coconut butter in a double boiler and allow to melt completely. When melted whisk in Honee/Maple Syrup and Vanilla Extract. Remove from double boiler and let sit in cold water bath for 5 minutes, continue to stir often. Ensure that the chocolate layer has set entirely and pour Nougat layer over chocolate layer. Return to fridge immediately for 1-2 hours or 45 minutes in the freezer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Blend pitted Medjool Dates, Salt, and Cashew Butter to a smooth paste in the food processor. This will likely take some patience and some scraping. Add melted coconut oil and blend to combine. Add lukewarm water to help loosen ingredients and ease blending. Your mixture should be a thick spreadable paste and NOT a pourable consistency.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Once nougat layer has set in fridge or freezer spread Date caramel layer atop. Sprinkle with crumbled cashews and chill for 2-3 hours before serving. Cut into bars or bites an serve cold or room temperature. These may be frozen in an air tight bag for up to 3 months and thawed.</div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/vegan-paleo-mock-snickers-bars-recipe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-5583316007080558772Sat, 21 Feb 2015 23:11:00 +00002015-02-22T14:30:20.822-08:00#SaveTheUndies#SharkWeek#Sponsored#UnderWarriorbridal showercookieshealthKotexLinqiaPadssugar cookiesU By Kotexunderwear cookiesLet's #SaveTheUndies- Become An #UnderWarrior Today With A Free Sample!<img src="http://ooh.li/a704f54" />Thanks to U by Kotex for sponsoring today's discussion. Grab a <a href="https://ooh.li/5a4141b" rel="nofollow">free sample</a> of new U By Kotex Pads. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These underwear sugar cookies are adorable for a #bridalshower- but you should #SaveTheUndies with U By Kotex, not a bake sale! U By Kotex pads now feature 3D Capture Core technology to lock in liquid and prevent leaks- Never lose a good pair of underwear again! #Preach #UnderWarrior #SaveTheUndies #Sponsored Grab your free sample today! https://ooh.li/5a4141b" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHBKkCIiBbQ/VOkGqvoaDbI/AAAAAAAA19k/OtZ7xkDQ7Ew/s1600/%23UnderWarrior%2B%23SaveTheUndies%2B%23Ad%2BBake%2BSale%2BBa.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">You're a woman, not a werewolf!</span></b></span></span><br /><br />I never let on to when Aunt Flo is in town. I live an active life and nothing gets in the way of that; certainly not a visit from an unexpected relative. Aside from a missing chocolate bar or the recent romantic comedies on my Netflix feed, you'd never know. But it wasn't always that way, and I didn't always use pads. In fact, there was a time when I went 18 months without a period; it was so long since Flo had last came to town I had thrown out her favorite soda and converted the spare room to a photography studio. But family is family, and they are subject to turn up at the most inconvenient of times and stay just about as long as they please.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="U By Kotex pads now feature 3D Capture Core technology to lock in liquid and prevent leaks- Never lose a good pair of underwear again! #Preach #UnderWarrior #SaveTheUndies #Sponsored Grab your free sample today! https://ooh.li/5a4141b" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-hIk5uJYUk/VOkGv8UIxWI/AAAAAAAA19s/_YdntBwH8uY/s1600/%23UnderWarrior%2B%23SaveTheUndies%2B%23Ad%2BA2.png" title="" /></div>Flo first showed up back in town on league night during one of my best (bowling) games ever. The ball plopped off my thumb and tumbled down the lane crashing into the pins just as my cheeks began to sting from her harsh pinches. I knew, immediately, I was in trouble. With a 14 frames left, and our team fighting for second place I couldn't simply pack up and head home to entertain Flo, so I did what any embarrassed relative does and pretended I didn't notice she'd arrived. 2 frames later and she was knocking back a few drinks getting quite rowdy, I knew, any second she'd hit her limits and leave a mark that was sure to scar me for quite a while. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These underwear sugar cookies are adorable for a #bridalshower- but you should #SaveTheUndies with U By Kotex, not a bake sale! U By Kotex pads now feature 3D Capture Core technology to lock in liquid and prevent leaks- Never lose a good pair of underwear again! #Preach #UnderWarrior #SaveTheUndies #Sponsored Grab your free sample today! https://ooh.li/5a4141b" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHXmHxg9StE/VOkHFCg1wiI/AAAAAAAA190/WbNEQ1boqqA/s1600/%23UnderWarrior%2B%23SaveTheUndies%2B%23Ad%2BCookies%2BD.png" title="" /></div>Excusing myself I shuffled towards the back of the alley where another bowler was sitting, waiting her turn. Leaning in I whispered into her ear, explaining the situation and begging for any sort of help entertaining my Aunt until I could make it home. Out of her purse she pulled a neon envelope with a bold black and white 'U,' and I thanked her as I urgently ducked into the ladies room. Outside I could hear Flo sharing a story about the time I tried to eat Play Doh for breakfast. But inside I was cool, calm, collected. I had things under control, I was now an #UnderWarrior.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="U By Kotex pads now feature 3D Capture Core technology to lock in liquid and prevent leaks- Never lose a good pair of underwear again! #Preach #UnderWarrior #SaveTheUndies #Sponsored Grab your free sample today! https://ooh.li/5a4141b" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6VIli_o2YI/VOkHM0xcv3I/AAAAAAAA198/V99Z_G_GzPI/s1600/%23UnderWarrior%2B%23SaveTheUndies%2B%23Ad%2BB.png" title="" /></div>While I managed to escape that unexpected visit unscathed, I was not about to get away easily with the 18 months of peace and quiet I had enjoyed prior to this visit. Flo raged in any out of my home for 3 long weeks, sometimes so quiet and out of mind that I considered her long gone- then, like a tornado, she'd reappear singing Shania Twain karaoke and drunk dialing my phone at 2 AM. They were unexpected times filled with many memories I'd rather suppress- but I got through them physically unscathed and without a single soldier (pair of underwear) lost, thanks to my backup posse of U by Kotex pads.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="When Aunt Flo's in town it can feel like a real life #SharkWeek- Every pair of panties for themselves. This DIY clutch is the perfect reminder to always be prepared to unleash the #UnderWarrior in yourself with U By Kotex! #SaveTheUndies #Sponsored" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F770V26E1JA/VOkHQ7mn7LI/AAAAAAAA1-E/azTCb-3JnOY/s1600/%23UnderWarrior%2B%23SaveTheUndies%2B%23Ad%2BShark%2BWeek%2BB2.png" title="" /></div>It's not joke friends, we need to join together to #SaveTheUndies, too many polka dot panties and bikini briefs are lost every day to Flo's raging visits (and, seriously, someone needs to get that woman some help, I haven't seen eyeshadow that shade of blue since the 50s.) So, if you're ready to become and #UnderWarrior, then pick up that mouse and click on over to the U By Kotex page where you can request a free sample of all new <a href="https://ooh.li/5a4141b" rel="nofollow">U By Kotex Pads</a> with 3D Capture Core (designed exclusively for U to help lock in Flo and prevent embarrassing leaks.) Yea, you could host a bake sale to raise funds for the fallen undies, but why lose a good pair at all when you can now have 3D Capture Core in your corner? <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>What was the most inconvenient time Flo ever decides to drop in and parade through your life?</i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">Flo can make the sanest of women act like they're possessed- stay cool and keep her out of your underwear drawer with U By Kotex and 3D Capture Core!</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ8sCxWO4R8/VOkPCAz0xKI/AAAAAAAA1-U/sflUabc4fXI/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ8sCxWO4R8/VOkPCAz0xKI/AAAAAAAA1-U/sflUabc4fXI/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zVkpzBO4nk/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Sometimes you just have to have a little fun with being a girl. @UByKotex is there so you can tackle whatever the day throws at you. Head to U By Kotex and request your free sample of new 3D Capture Core pads today and learn how you can become an #UnderWarrior too! #SaveTheUndies #SharkWeek #GirlTalk #Crafty #GirlHumor #sponsored</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by Jenna Marie's (@mommatoldme) on <time datetime="2015-02-20T20:52:27+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 20, 2015 at 12:52pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/lets-savetheundies-become-underwarrior.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-6159832335544133334Fri, 20 Feb 2015 21:04:00 +00002015-02-20T13:04:49.058-08:00cookiescream cheese recipesDessertMother's cookiespinkspringtrufflesCircus Animal Cookie Truffles Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These adorable Circus Animal Cookie Truffles only have 4 ingredients and are perfect for Mother's Day, Baby Showers, Spring Celebrations, and more!" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGllYO9pfwU/VOZxNiVapZI/AAAAAAAA158/i8JsHaWYQVc/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BL2a.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">If you play with them long enough they might eat you!</span></b></span></span><br /><br />There are few grocery products/brands that go back far enough to span the memories of 4 or 5 generations. Unless you're talking Heinz and beans or ketchup, or Oreos, you'll be hard pressed to find shared memories over a product launched in the early 1900s. And while I may as well not even know Mother's Cookies produces 14 different varieties of cookies, I do know it's near impossible to resist the playful charm of their classic Circus Animals. Cookies so pretty and fun that I rarely actually ate them when my grandmother gave me a handful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KpwdnWjTEi4/VOZx3gRNE9I/AAAAAAAA16E/SXfAe-8q6dY/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BA.png"><img alt="These adorable Circus Animal Cookie Truffles only have 4 ingredients and are perfect for Mother's Day, Baby Showers, Spring Celebrations, and more!" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KpwdnWjTEi4/VOZx3gRNE9I/AAAAAAAA16E/SXfAe-8q6dY/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BA.png" title="" /></a></div>It was the only sweet I could be given and found in possession of hours later- and not for lack of deliciousness either, I was simply transfixed by the imagined interactions of these pink and white cookie animals come to life. The camel, in Pink, was always my favorite, followed closely by the lion, in Pink. These two often had several disagreements, ultimately ending with the lion's beheading because, after all, in a young child's mind, the biggest most powerful character should not always win by default. Yes, I was tackling some heavy issues with my Mother's Circus Animal cookies and you might even say they made me the strong communicator I am today. All from a cookie.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yXpOuyw1pG0/VOZyAAGaewI/AAAAAAAA16Q/wLkz9_IwcLM/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BC.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LoNj-3U2ng/VOZyAATMmRI/AAAAAAAA16U/XD_8c_w49f8/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BE.png" /></div>But my memories not only go back to time spent with my grandmother, who often recounted her first Mother's Cookies experience upon the family's immigration from Germany, but to tales of a father and daughter.&nbsp; A manly man, to this day my father refuses to handle the color pink; that is unless his baby girl has asked him. I remember reaching into the giant bag of Mother's Cookies and pulling out a pink animals, full of giggles, "This one's just for you, daddy!" A wise man, he'd quickly distract me with the age old question, "Do the pink animals taste the same as the white ones?," or does the rhino taste the same as the bear?" and shortly a sampling of ALL the cookies wold ensue (for due diligence, of course.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JppwDmSpHcE/VOZyXlUCgMI/AAAAAAAA16k/MIMlEm1AzNA/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BG.png" /></div>To this day I get a little bit of special delight from seeing Mother's Circus Animal cookies on a shelf or at a store. Our local frozen yogurt shops always stock them at the toppings bar and I never miss an opportunity to add 2, one pink and one white, to the very top of m yogurt creation. Then I reveal a secret smile as I recount the memories of childhood and past so vividly linked to them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These adorable Circus Animal Cookie Truffles only have 4 ingredients and are perfect for Mother's Day, Baby Showers, Spring Celebrations, and more!" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKmXTn9-EQs/VOZybWggRkI/AAAAAAAA16s/LDThuZ1Cu0c/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BH.png" title="" /></div>So it will come as no surprise, when contemplating the month of love and potential Valentine's Day content I was found reflecting back on Mother's Cookies. It had been far too long since I actually bought a bag of these delicious snacks, and the playful pink color was perfect for the theme of romance. But, to me, Mother's Cookies were also appropriate for mother's day, baby showers, Spring, and more. So many memories and so many smiles attached to this simple treat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These adorable Circus Animal Cookie Truffles only have 4 ingredients and are perfect for Mother's Day, Baby Showers, Spring Celebrations, and more!" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1l609jvqHGI/VOZypuJyD5I/AAAAAAAA160/XwXqnorCino/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BI2.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hA9mM7q_PM/VOZyppX2QEI/AAAAAAAA164/YMxI1ryfzXc/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BK.png"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hA9mM7q_PM/VOZyppX2QEI/AAAAAAAA164/YMxI1ryfzXc/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BK.png" /></a></div>I decided I would not make a Valentine's Day recipe, but an any day of the year, all around pick me up, instant smile inducing, super simple recipe of deliciousness. And it was literally as simple as dumping a bag of Mother's Cookies Circus Animals into my food processor (your hand will fight you, but it's for the best,) and hand mixing the crumbs with a softened brick of cream cheese. This can get a little tedious so just keep rolling the blob of crumbles onto more crumbles, and folding them in until all dry ingredients are gone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1tOoTA4g_g/VOZy4gIu6rI/AAAAAAAA17I/sR7l8il3uAU/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BS.png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1tOoTA4g_g/VOZy4gIu6rI/AAAAAAAA17I/sR7l8il3uAU/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BS.png" /></a><img alt="These adorable Circus Animal Cookie Truffles only have 4 ingredients and are perfect for Mother's Day, Baby Showers, Spring Celebrations, and more!" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hN1aK7IC5wA/VOZy4RuiuMI/AAAAAAAA17E/5sDFBA9BVPQ/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BQ.png" title="" /></div>If you're as slightly twisted as me you can take your Circus Animal truffle 'dough' and shape it into a circus animal of you choice. then rip small sections off of your truffle dough and roll them into 1-1 1/2" balls. Place these balls on a piece of parchment paper on a plate or cutting board and refrigerate them (do not freeze, as freezing will cause issues with the 'coating' process.) Next, take some white and pink Wilton's chocolate melts and melt them (separately) for dipping. Add a little shortening to your melting chocolate to thin it out a little for smoother dipping and dip each ball into the chocolate, gently rolling it to coat it entirely.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place your dipped balls on a clean sheet of parchment paper and toss some festive rainbow sprinkles atop before they set. Store these delicious balls of heaven in the fridge until ready to serve as they're best enjoyed cold (in my opinion.) These Circus Animal Cookie Truffles would be great at a girl's baby shower, first birthday, Easter gathering, on Mother's Day, or just because. They're so simple to make, why not make them more than once? After all, you don't need an excuse to feel like a kid again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">These truffles are adorable, but at least I don't parade them across the couch!</span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vhEiG08GZU/VOd0GlvTvzI/AAAAAAAA17s/QGJFoXAiUxg/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vhEiG08GZU/VOd0GlvTvzI/AAAAAAAA17s/QGJFoXAiUxg/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These adorable Circus Animal Cookie Truffles only have 4 ingredients and are perfect for Mother's Day, Baby Showers, Spring Celebrations, and more!" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myGffySoP98/VOZy_HcMC5I/AAAAAAAA17Y/EeHuWf7l3cM/s1600/Circus%2BAnimal%2BCookie%2BTruffles%2BM.png" title="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Circus Animal Cookie Truffles</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>***Click here for printable <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mommatoldmeblog/circus-animal-cookie-truffles?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" rel="nofollow">Circus Animal Cookie Truffles</a> recipe.<a name='more'></a></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">12oz Package of Mother's Circus Animal Cookies</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Brick (4oz) Softened Cream Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Bag Wilton's Chocolate Melts (2 if you want Pink and White)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sprinkles To Decorate</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Directions: </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. In a food processor, pulse the Circus Animal cookies until they have reached fine crumbs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and knead the crumbs into the cream cheese, turning and rolling until all dry ingredients are incorporated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Roll your truffle 'dough' into a large ball, brick, or giant animal cookie shape. Tear even portions off, rolling into 1 1/2" balls. Place truffle balls on a piece of parchment paper and refrigerate (do not freeze!) 1-2 hours.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Melt melting chocolate in a double broiler or melting pot (add 1 TBS Shortening to thin if desired for easier dipping.) Dip cold truffles into melting chocolate and place on a clean sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle with sprinkles and return to fridge 2-3 hours before serving. Serve cold.</div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/circus-animal-cookie-truffles.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-1230689166772504143Wed, 18 Feb 2015 05:00:00 +00002015-02-28T12:16:18.496-08:00#Ad#cbiasbeautyColgateExpress Whitehealthlife hacksOptic WhitepetssmiletoothpasteWalmartwhite teethwhiteningSimple Life Hacks To Achieve Your Brightest White- From Teeth To ClothesThis shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OpticSmiles #CollectiveBias<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Head on over to our site where we dish 5 Life Hacks to achieve your whitest whites in everything from teeth to dogs! #OpticSmiles #ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okTRTd3A3dM/VOP2ozd8HAI/AAAAAAAA14Y/bKvaIfnOE94/s1600/%23OpticSmiles%2B%23Ad%2BHeader%2BB2.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">White doesn't just stay white- someone's got to clean it!</span></b></span></span><br /><br />Even though Momma exclusively shopped at second hand stores for my clothes, I was forbidden to wear white, as a child. My father's work uniforms were a thin white polyester-cotton material, which wouldn't have been nearly as much of a pain to launder, if it wasn't for the fact that he worked as a technician on restaurant equipment. Seldom did an evening pass where Momma didn't hang her head in dismay over the grease stains littering his clothes, and she wasn't about to clean up stains on the clothes of her daughter.<br /><br />With such strict order to wear anything but white, it's easy to see how I adopted my alias as a 'living rainbow,' when I embraced every hue, patten, and print I could find. Even as an adult, today, I still cringe at the thought of wearing white clothes, and the thought of them not being their whitest white. But every good rainbow knows that color pops best when next to the most radiant whites, and my best, my <a href="http://cbi.as/3boh" rel="nofollow">smile</a>, is always at it's whitest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Colgate® Optic White® Express White toothpaste is now availible at Walmart. See whiter teeth in as few as 3 days thanks to the new formula with Hydrogen Peroxide. Achieve whiter teeth with no added effort for your easiest white! #OpticSmiles #ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9biwzfV21ow/VOP2xHFSKCI/AAAAAAAA14g/f27MzThKicU/s1600/%23OpticSmiles%2B%23Ad%2BIn%2BStore.png" title="" /></div>Only recently, on a trip to Walmart, did I truly stop to contemplate the brighter things in my life. Spotting a display for new Colgate® Optic White® Express Toothpaste I was immediately intrigued by the notion of seeing my pearlies glimmer just a little brighter in as few as 3 days with no added effort. I was already familiar with the Colgate® Optic White® name, but this new formula featured 2 times more of the professionally recommended whitening ingredient (vs. Optic White® Sparkling Mint TP) and the powerful professionally recommended ingredient hydrogen peroxide to whiten faster. Talk about helping a girl out- this was one addition to my beauty routine that would require NO additional time or upkeep on my part, all I had to do was brush!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Colgate® Optic White® Express White toothpaste is now availible at Walmart. See whiter teeth in as few as 3 days thanks to the new formula with Hydrogen Peroxide. Achieve whiter teeth with no added effort for your easiest white! #OpticSmiles #ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-PH3xgpYqg/VOP20rjaWyI/AAAAAAAA14o/BrnodKy3FII/s1600/%23OpticSmiles%2B%23Ad%2BPin%2BA.jpg" title="" /></div>You never really know what you're getting into when you switch toothpastes, so I'll admit I was a bit hesitant. I invested in the 360 Colgate® <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Colgate-360-Optic-White-Medium-Toothbrush-1ct/17109380" rel="nofollow">Optic White® Toothbrush</a> on the premise of full commitment- after all at $3.96 a piece, my 'investment' was quite modest, and I'm the sort of all in girl that goes wild and crazy like that! I'll be honest, I was blown away with the brushing experience of Colgate® Optic White® Express and my 360 brush- not only did my teeth feel amazing from the whitening cups and polishing bristles, but the cheek and tongue cleaner helped me provide a full mouth clean that had me smiling in no time.<br /><br />And why not smile? With the power of hydrogen peroxide and Colgate® Optic White® in new <a href="http://www.colgateopticwhite.com/home" rel="nofollow">Express Colgate® Optic White®</a> my teeth were sure to sparkle like they never had before. And I was ready to take all the credit for absolutely none of the work! But as I tossed my old, ordinary, toothbrush in the wastebasket I felt something wash over me, a need to extend this whitening to every aspect of my life. Maybe that boring old toothbrush was good for something after all!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="A simple solution of 3 Cups warm water, 1/8 Cup Ammonia, 1/8 Cup White Vinegar and 1/4 Cup Baking Soda, mixed in a spray bottle I'd also picked up at Walmart, makes for a powerful (but pleasant to work with) stain fighting formula. Spray directly onto counters and scrub gently with an old toothbrush. #OpticSmiles #ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRRUKsxiMqw/VOP26KIBLgI/AAAAAAAA14w/Akh3qvsntso/s1600/%23OpticSmiles%2B%23Ad%2BGrout%2BA.jpg" title="" /></div>As it turns out- there were several things in my life that had begun to lose their luster, and the grout on our kitchen counter was the first I would tackle. My goal? To make whitening that old, dirty, grout almost as painless as refreshing my teeth with <a href="http://cbi.as/41rl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colgate® Optic White® Express</a>! My trick? A simple solution of 3 Cups warm water, 1/8 Cup Ammonia, 1/8 Cup White Vinegar and 1/4 Cup Baking Soda, mixed in a spray bottle I'd also picked up at Walmart, made for a powerful (but pleasant to work with) stain fighting formula. After just a few minutes of allowing a spritz to soak into badly stained grout the grays wiped right away with hardly any scrubbing. I'd definitely put more elbow grease into brushing my teeth that morning!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Whiten old canvas sneakers the easy way with a shampoo water solution, an old toothbrush, and a damp cloth. Stuff shoes with newspaper to maintain shape and help shoes dry quicker! #OpticSmiles #Ad" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4_vU-vKfRU/VOP3BkY6A9I/AAAAAAAA144/NVsas2iFKW8/s1600/%23Opticsmiles%2B%23Ad%2BSneakers%2BB.png" title="" /></div>Next on my list of off-white offenses was an old pair of Converse canvas sneakers I've worn to the annual Color Run twice now. But rainbow corn starch, sweat, and scuffs proved no match for a bowl of warm water with shampoo and that old trusty toothbrush. To properly clean sneakers outside a washer use a brush to scrub rubber soles with a shampoo water solution, then gently wipe fabric with a cloth dipped in the cleansing formula. Be sure to remove your laces or pull the tongue out to get any tough, hiding, stains. When your sneakers have been restored to former glory stuff them with crumpled newspaper to maintain their shape and expedite the drying process. And, if you're like me, Express Colgate® Optic White® was still working on keeping those teeth white while you worked!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbwOGDVpPx8/VOP3GnhaoFI/AAAAAAAA15A/DKuCjrg3VUs/s1600/%23OpticSmiles%2B%23Ad%2BDog%2BA.png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wbwOGDVpPx8/VOP3GnhaoFI/AAAAAAAA15A/DKuCjrg3VUs/s1600/%23OpticSmiles%2B%23Ad%2BDog%2BA.png" /></a></div>By now my kicks were sparkling and my counters rivaled that of a new home, so I turned my gaze in boredom to the dog. Oh yes, my friends, you can whiten pets too! While whitening (or bluing, as they're known) shampoos exist for pets, hypoallergenic animals with hair, rather than fur, require extra upkeep to maintain a white coat. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts dog shampoo and water and wipe your dog down with a damp, warm, towel once a day to stay vibrant. Dust your pup in a light coating of corn starch in between grooming to help absorb oils that attract dirt and stains (and odors too!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Keep white clothes their whitest by pretreating stains immediately with a duab of dish soap. Add 1/2 C 3% Hydroge Peroxide directly to your wash, with detergent, and rinse on Warm for radiant white clothes! #OpticSmiles #Ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1nK7sNyI5c/VOP3LgzYGDI/AAAAAAAA15I/oQ02To7ta6g/s1600/%23OpticSmiles%2B%23Ad%2BLaundry%2BB.jpg" title="" /></div>Perhaps the most dreaded of whitening tasks is fabric found on everyday clothing. I try not to wear large amounts of white, because I am not only a living rainbow but a color magnet- stains run to me. When I launder my whites I try my best to keep them white by pre-treating any discoloration or stains with dish soap and a gently scrub. Next, I add 1/2 Cup 3% Hydrogen Peroxide directly to the wash with my laundry detergent. We already know that hydrogen peroxide is helping to keep our teeth white with Colgate® Optic White® Express, and it will boost your white clothes just as much! Wash whites on a Warm rinse cycle and give yourself a pat on the back for becoming a whitening warrior.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Colgate® Optic White® Express White toothpaste is now availible at Walmart. See whiter teeth in as few as 3 days thanks to the new formula with Hydrogen Peroxide. Achieve whiter teeth with no added effort for your easiest white! #OpticSmiles #ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCwaiqy3Csw/VOP3YRmUJCI/AAAAAAAA15Q/9w5NcMpaeQQ/s1600/%23OpticSmiles%2B%23Ad%2BTeeth%2BB.png" title="" /></div>When you're as fabulous as you, you don't have time to spend scrubbing, bleaching, or treating- you're too busy being your radiant self to fuss with all of that. And that's why these simple life hacks to a brighter life are sure to have you smiling. And if you're still not convinced, just invest in a $3.96 tube of Colgate® Optic White® Express from Walmart and let the toothpaste do all the lifting, see whiter teeth in as few as 3 days. There will be a roaming demo in 550 Walmart stores on February 28th, 2015 to show you just how easy whitening with Colgate® Optic White® Express is. Ambassadors will be roaming aisles giving out $1 off coupons good on the new Express Optic White® toothpaste, so you'll officially be out of excuses! Check the Walmart <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cYIOr3v4Zpyb5Djvf3MHicMWSvCG7CkMBIWay0zxvEk/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">store list</a> for an event near you. <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>What do you struggle with keeping white, the most?</b></i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says:<span style="color: #ea9999;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">Use these simple life hacks for the 'whites' in your life- Don't worry, you can still take all the credit for the 'work.'</span></span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-movkfzqNphQ/VOQDztqFGaI/AAAAAAAA15g/lfQ-j5911Yc/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-movkfzqNphQ/VOQDztqFGaI/AAAAAAAA15g/lfQ-j5911Yc/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><br />http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/Life-Hacks-With-Colgate-Optic-White.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-5476049365267615046Sun, 15 Feb 2015 17:52:00 +00002015-02-15T11:49:38.165-08:00active livingbzzagenthealthlifestyleproteinQuaker5 Simple Tips To Become (More Of) A Morning Person***I received a <b>Quaker<sup>®</sup> Protein Instant Oatmeal </b>product sample as a member of BzzAgent. I was in no way required to share the following info with you. All photos and opinions are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015. The following is not to be taken as medical advice.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Quaker® Protein Instant Oatmeal packed with 10g of protein and ready in just 3 minutes. #GotItFree " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1WdOrqlk14/VODNlwWCOII/AAAAAAAA12s/s_4qa4otPQU/s1600/Quaker%2BSteel%2BCut%2BA.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Ready or not, it's time to get up!</span></span></b></span><br /><br />I am not a morning person. In fact, there have been very extended patches in my life where I would refuse to go to bed until the sun was just bout to come up. In my college years I would often sleep clear from sunrise to sundown on the rare days when I did not have work or school. 'They' tell you when you're younger that one day you'll yearn for the time when adults forced you to take extended naps in the middle of the day, and it's true. Such a reckless lifestyle ultimately led to horrible insomnia when I was once again to rejoin the living with a 9-5 job that demanded rosy social skills. While I am much better than I ever was, about rising on time and with a chipper disposition, it is still something I struggle with from time to time. There are a few simple things that can be done to help ease yourself into an early morning routine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Use a white noise machine or sound filter to help maximize deep REM cycles with minimal interruptions from outside stimuli." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svonE0NxPkk/VODPzYoLz8I/AAAAAAAA13I/Ms4U_CAMu-s/s1600/Quaker%2BMornings%2BA.png" title="" /></div><i><b>1. Sleep Sound: </b></i>This may sound obvious but the biggest culprit to waking refreshed is interruptions in sleep patterns. While you may not notice yourself physically waking up during the night, your body likely experiences harsh interruptions to REM waves as it responds to outside stimuli. Similarly, if you do notice yourself a 'light sleeper,' and rise throughout the night to the sound of a car alarm or dog barking, you may benefit from noise conditioning as well. The key to making the most of your sleep, whether 3 hours or a full 7, is ensuring you fall asleep and stay asleep from eyes shut to eyes open. Invest in a white noise machine or noise filter application to help layer ambient noise that will better distract your sleeping mind from the distractions within the world just outside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i><b>2. Think Positive Thoughts: </b></i>As cliche as it sounds, there really is a right side of the bed to get out on. How you jump start your mental process, first thing in the morning, really does impact how your entire day unfolds from there. We all have chores and tasks we'd rather not awaken to tackle, so leave those thoughts for later. Begin your first few minutes of every day mentally discussing that which you are MOST looking forward to. The more you ruminate on the positives to come, the more endorphins your body will naturally release as you pull yourself from bed and work towards them.<br /><img alt="Hit the gym first thing in the morning to maximize calories burned and energy rejuvinated!" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PoWKw93Hh-M/VODS79b-RoI/AAAAAAAA13U/Jt6teTCxxbo/s1600/Gym%2BWorkout.png" title="" /><br /><i><b>3. Hit The Gym Early:</b></i> While this is one tip I'm still trying to reshape my day to tackle, studies show that our bodies experience their peak performance sometime around mid-morning. Rising around sunrise and heading straight to the gym or workout room, for as little as 30 minutes, will also release those 'feel good' notions and kick start our systems for optimal performance during the day. If the promise of more energy and a sunnier outlook isn't enough, exercise before breakfast and see your morning calories burned near doubled!<br /><br /><b><i>4. Morning Showers Bring....:</i></b> I tend to want to shower in the morning. Not only is it a sort of treat I look forward to when I first get up (see Tip #2,) but I feel it re-focuses my mind for the day ahead. Unfortunately as women, our hair is often one of the biggest time consumers in the daily beauty routine. Nothing can ruin the promise of a good day quicker than a bad hair day. Ashley Stone, of Beauty Entourage, suggests showering in the evening and placing damp hair in a lose braid. When you rise style your hair with a quick blow dry for instant volume without the fuss. And for those who simply must shower in the morning- consider a quick rinse, sans hair washing, for an immediate pick me up without the styling woes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Quaker® Protein Instant Oatmeal #GotItFree" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLTdRj1cb3I/VODNvqSWCXI/AAAAAAAA128/eXTsbcx8uwk/s1600/Quaker%2BC.png" title="" /></div><i><b>5. Pile On the Protein: </b></i>You already know the saying 'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,' and it truly does set the tone for how the rest of your morning will proceed. After a night's rest our metabolism and blood sugar are at their lowest. This means what you put into your body first is what will be consumed at the most efficient rate, as your body will quite literally be jump starting based on what nutrition you do or don't decide to feed it. I don't know about you, but I, personally, don't have time to make a gourmet breakfast in the morning. I need something that is quick, colorful, and appetizing, or I will find myself skipping breakfast all together.<br /><br />Quaker's new Protein Instant Oatmeal is ready in just 3 minutes and offers a hearty bowl of deliciousness in 2 satisfying flavors; Banana Nut Bread and Cranberry Almond. Chocked full of 10g of energy producing protein, these delicious breakfasts can also be enhanced with a few slices of fresh fruit, and 'cooked' with calcium and protein rich milk substitutes such as soy or almond milk. Just one bowl of <b>Quaker<sup>®</sup> Protein Instant Oatmeal </b>keeps me fueled well through the afternoon without a single tummy rumble, and that means I keep the morning grumps away!<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>What's your best tip for rising on the right side of the bed and staying energized throughout the morning?</b></i></span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What Daughter Says:</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">You don't have to want to get up, you just have to get up. Start your day with positive steps to make the process easier.</span></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P15M5AEI6uM/VODcT95RCEI/AAAAAAAA13k/Oh7pTqZwkw8/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P15M5AEI6uM/VODcT95RCEI/AAAAAAAA13k/Oh7pTqZwkw8/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><br /><br />http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/5-simple-tips-to-become-more-of-morning.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-6523863344381920282Fri, 13 Feb 2015 19:09:00 +00002015-02-13T11:19:31.710-08:00#PlusLifeguardamazon primebackup batterymobileportable chargerSamsungsmartphonestechtomosonStaying Fueled On The Go With The Lifeguard MINI 1 Portable Charger<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP126ac6d09d458bb4f7d9f31bd46c2d6e" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a><br />***The following product was provided by the manufacturer, through Tomoson. Regardless all photos and opinions below are original and copyright Momma Told Me 2015.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Lifeguard MINI 1 Portable Charger features a lightening fast charge from empty in as little as 1.5 hours, and is sold in trendy colors like hot pink! #PlusLifeguard #Tech #Ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L8SyLtvqco/VN5ExuLoiDI/AAAAAAAA11g/NjxrW_3idRs/s1600/Lifeguard%2BCharger%2BBa.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me:<span style="color: #e06666;"> Save your battery!</span></b></span></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span><br /><br />Last week I shared my anxiety over having my phone die while traveling home, through Log Angeles at night. While it's not ideal, I do experience quite a bit of stress when I am disconnected from my mobile tools during the workday. In that post I shared several <a href="http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/10-power-saving-tips-for-your-smartphone.html" rel="nofollow">tips for extending the battery life</a> of your smartphone, from decreasing screen brightness an manually closing unused apps to backup batteries and charging methods. While there was no such thing as a smartphone, or even a cell phone, when Momma was raising me, modern portable technology has become a necessity for the mainstream consumer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Lifeguard MINI 1 Portable Charger features a lightening fast charge from empty in as little as 1.5 hours, and is sold in trendy colors like hot pink! #PlusLifeguard #Tech #Ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfV79D0aScw/VN5FCg2DYuI/AAAAAAAA11o/LxNoegB6E5U/s1600/Lifeguard%2BCharger%2BGIF.gif" title="" /></div>I remember, as a teenager, mobile phones were a convenient way for people to stay connected in emergencies, and while on the go, away from business. to 'text' someone you simply had to enter about 54 keystrokes for a basic 7 word sentence- or 2,2,2- 2- 5,5,5- 5,5,5-_6- 3,3 for 'Call Me.' It's amazing what we would go through to communicate a single message when the technology was new,&nbsp; while today we exhibit impatience over the 10 second loading time of a single application. And, seeing as I can actually type faster on my smartphone than my PC, it is certainly a tool that has proven itself invaluable in modern times. After all, the present day smartphone combines all the innovations of the past decade into one portable device!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Lifeguard MINI 1 Portable Charger features a lightening fast charge from empty in as little as 1.5 hours, and is sold in trendy colors like hot pink! #PlusLifeguard #Tech #Ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Whob_OEbkHo/VN5FNZK4l-I/AAAAAAAA11w/d_qC-M2qdM0/s1600/Lifeguard%2BCharger%2BE.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Lifeguard MINI 1 Portable Charger features a lightening fast charge from empty in as little as 1.5 hours, and is sold in trendy colors like hot pink! #PlusLifeguard #Tech #Ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6e-encPGmHI/VN5FQOUmSZI/AAAAAAAA114/g10ZMCPu4AA/s1600/Lifeguard%2BCharger%2BF.png" title="" /></div>Just as a smartphone or mobile device can make life easier, the lack of having one charged and ready can be disastrous, as our own dependency on it grows. Will you be caught without battery to phone a taxi because you played too much Candy Crush? Have you ever needed to inform someone you'd be late but found your phone died while it was ringing? Yes, our smartphones are amazing, convenient, devices but we use them for so much, and so often, that they can often be taxed when we need them most. And that's precisely what makes a portable charger, such as the Lifeguard MINI 1 invaluable.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Lifeguard MINI 1 Portable Charger features a lightening fast charge from empty in as little as 1.5 hours, and is sold in trendy colors like hot pink! #PlusLifeguard #Tech #Ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EblQZlIv6ow/VN5FY0zBrsI/AAAAAAAA12A/PoRGufNYOuY/s1600/Lifeguard%2BCharger%2BD.png" title="" /></div>I keep a portable smartphone charger in my purse, my glove compartment, my gym bag, and even kitchen junk drawer (you never know when the power will go out and you will depend on that smartphone for updates and communication!) While many of us smartphone owners have a portable or backup charger, it truly is a tool you should own multiple of, and the perfect gift for any tech savvy consumer. I was personally attracted to the <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/portable-charger-lifeguard-lightning-certified/dp/b00kovxweq/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_1968490062?_encoding=UTF8&amp;keywords=iphone%206%20portable%20charger&amp;qid=1419613037&amp;sr=8-38&amp;pf_rd_p=1968490062&amp;pf_rd_s=smile-campaign&amp;pf_rd_t=201&amp;pf_rd_i=B00KOVXWEQ&amp;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_r=0MBVCCCT4Y4KZB8Y6V2Q" rel="nofollow">Lifeguard MINI 1</a> for it's vibrant color option, which included a HOT PINK hue that I could easily locate at the bottom of my purse in a bind. Not only is it stylish and stable to use with it's flat sides, but the MINI 1 Portable Charger features a Samsung battery core with 3000mAh capacity.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Lifeguard MINI 1 Portable Charger features a lightening fast charge from empty in as little as 1.5 hours, and is sold in trendy colors like hot pink! #PlusLifeguard #Tech #Ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnZpqdelqGU/VN5FjRAWhrI/AAAAAAAA12I/Y2al5WeYlQk/s1600/Lifeguard%2BCharger%2BG.png" title="" /></div>The MINI 1 features a Quick Charge output that can fully restore most modern smartphone batteries from empty in as little as 1.5- 2 hours, and will withstand over 800 recharges through the life of the device. It's backed by an 18-month money-back guarantee, and currently is featured online for less than $25, shipped with Prime 2-Day shipping, and a limited time bonus 3' Lightening Charging Cable for Apple 'i' devices. If you're like me and still an Android user at heart, no worries, the MINI 1 comes standard with both an Android and Apple charging cable. <span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>How do you keep your smartphone charged for when you need it most?</i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">Even careful users can end up disconnected when it matters- secure your smartphone with a mobile charger.</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yjcRC6qxf8/VN5K6WRggYI/AAAAAAAA12Y/58VxhOI0jhQ/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yjcRC6qxf8/VN5K6WRggYI/AAAAAAAA12Y/58VxhOI0jhQ/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM126ac6d09d458bb4f7d9f31bd46c2d6e" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/staying-fueled-on-go-with-lifeguard.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-2013285193583455493Tue, 10 Feb 2015 19:41:00 +00002015-02-10T12:02:41.413-08:00dessert recipesfoodiegrilled cheeseKRAFTrecipesroll upssandwich recipessnack recipesstrawberriestomato soupGrilled Cheese 3 Ways- #ShareYourCheesy With These Great Recipes!***This content is inspired by a campaign through Social Fabric. No compensation was provided for the following content.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Grilled Cheese 3 Ways: Roll-Ups, Smoky Chipotle Cut-Outs, and Havarti Strawberry Chocolate Dessert! #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quw-9gLugxg/VNpRQl-OUII/AAAAAAAA1zo/rDJZwTVWGk8/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BIa.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Grilled cheese is for little kids.</span></span></b></span><br /><br />If you were once a child, and I think it's safe to presume not only were we all, but some of us never really grew up- hopefully your childhood was full of the most magical elements; slumber parties, fireflies, living room forts, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Yes, a mother placing a grilled cheese before her ravenous child, as she contently tussles their hair, is about as American as it gets. And, whether your parents cut the crusts off for you, used cookie cutters to serve it in playful shapes, or always added a bowl of warm tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches were likely an often comfort food. I recall my, personal, favorite way to enjoy this cheesy treat was as triangle wedges in which I could bite the center out and hold up my sandwich as a make-shift smile.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBsKxdo8q2g/VNpRbG12K6I/AAAAAAAA1z0/XMH0yysTwlY/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BB2.png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBsKxdo8q2g/VNpRbG12K6I/AAAAAAAA1z0/XMH0yysTwlY/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BB2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Grilled cheese cut-outs for Valentine's Day #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyzfumC3ZAw/VNpRbNRxqMI/AAAAAAAA1zw/NgxLJBEAXVA/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BB.png" title="" /></div>But, somewhere between there and here, it's likely we've all lost touch with the comfort of this old friend. If you're a mother you surely use the sandwich in your lineup today, but likely thin little more of it than a way to please a picky child. For year, growing up, it was all I would order off the child's menu when my family went out to eat. Then, one day, Momma declared that I was 'too old' for a grilled cheese sandwich, and would have to choose something else. To that, I say, preposterous! One is NEVER too old for a grilled cheese- and the possibilities are truly endless when one allows themselves to get a little creative.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Grilled cheese cut-outs for Valentine's Day #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-InZ2Yyu9-MM/VNpRf-EInkI/AAAAAAAA10A/vDnMJNtmsdQ/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BB3a.png" title="" /></div>To fall back in love with this old friend, let's first start with the basics. You don't have to be a gourmet chef to create an elevated grilled cheese. In fact, with the wide range of KRAFT Natural Cheese Slices sold at my local Walmart I found over 10 different cheese slices on hand to pick from. The <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/kraftcheese/slices.aspx" rel="nofollow">BIG Slice</a> Smoky Chipotle proved to be just the right size to create some cut-out sandwiches with just a single slice of creamy Chipotle flavor. And, while I have no children around these days, I still thought it would be sweet to float some grilled cheese hearts in a shallow dish of warm tomato soup for the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="How to make grilled cheese roll-ups. #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92u_kJZDVsE/VNpRm0uCUMI/AAAAAAAA10I/HRWsJMOfPc0/s1600/%23SharetheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BGIF%2BRoll%2BUps.gif" title="" /></div>A lot of people don't realize that you can truly do a lot of fun and innovative things with a classic, and simple recipe. Using KRAFT singles, deliciously fluffy Wonder Bread, and a dollop of Blue Bonnet spread I turned the most basic, traditional, grilled cheese sandwich recipe into a fun snack for children and a finger food for adults. The concept's as easy as rolling our your bread slices, adding a slide of cheese, and rolling your slices into individual roll-ups. Melt them under the pressure of a wide spatula over some melted Blue Bonnet, turning to cook evenly, and you've got yourself a fun new way to enjoy grilled cheese!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENutig7E72g/VNpRsZRXjQI/AAAAAAAA10U/M1wu6hKCjLM/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BD2.png"><img alt="Grillec cheese roll-ups with Wonder Bread. #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENutig7E72g/VNpRsZRXjQI/AAAAAAAA10U/M1wu6hKCjLM/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BD2.png" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups with Wonder Bread and KRAFT #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLXMsbT9z2w/VNpRsJyECEI/AAAAAAAA10Q/jvANSf0ie4o/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BD.png" title="" /></div>American cheese slices, like KRAFT Singles are most well known for their roll in classic Americana cooking, such as the basic grilled cheese recipe. I'll admit, the only place I use these Singles is in a grilled cheese because they melting potential makes for a deliciously satisfying treat. Fresh off the grill, these grilled cheese roll-ups will ooze melting cheese with every bite, and are easy to serve alongside a dipping cup of tomato soup. Serve these at the next game or party for an instant win with your guests.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bSlRLKjEXI/VNpRzYHMcOI/AAAAAAAA10g/Oq_8pbbCPGU/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BEa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Grilled Cheese Roll Ups with Wonder Bread, KRAFT Singles, and Blue Bonnet Spread. #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5bSlRLKjEXI/VNpRzYHMcOI/AAAAAAAA10g/Oq_8pbbCPGU/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BEa.png" title="" /></a></div>Of course some could argue that it's not the cheese that makes the grilled cheese but the overall experience of biting into an indulgent sandwich full of creamy, often gooey and messy, ingredients. It's the warm of the ingredients melting together and the playful way that top slice always slides a little to the right when you go to pick it up. But have you ever considered that your grilled cheese doesn't have to be savory at all? With artisan cheeses such as Brie and Havarti now stocked in the local diary case, KRAFT has made it easier than ever to elevate the classic grilled cheese into a whole new treat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Grilled Cheese Dessert Sandwich #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tESP6HbaOFs/VNpR52IpcJI/AAAAAAAA10o/ytTFw_x-uzE/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2BGIF%2B%23Client%2BDessert.gif" title="" /></div>My friends, I present to you the dessert grilled cheese- Be careful, once you begin down this road, there's no turning back. And, as much as I beg to differ with Momma (grilled cheese is not just for kids) you really shouldn't eat one for every meal, every day. I know, I know- with all the amazing possibilities, when will you ever find the time to try every grilled cheese combination and STILL eat a balanced diet of all the 'other' good stuff? Luckily, my friend, that is not my problem to solve, I am merely here to make you drool all over your keyboard!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Strawberry Chocolate Havarti Grilled Cheese Dessert Sandwich #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGpvWqpjnyE/VNpSAjqMIoI/AAAAAAAA10w/rTMPbXEh7po/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BH2a.png" title="" /></div>If you search online you'll find several dessert grilled cheese recipes. Some of them like to go 'epicurean' and focus on towers of bread and cheese with cascades of warm berries and sticky syrup. These days I don't finger paint with my food too often, so I've devised this simple, fairly clean to eat, but still impressively satisfying Semi-Sweet Chocolate Strawberry Havarti <a href="http://www.wonderfullycheesy.com/" rel="nofollow">Grilled Cheese Sandwich</a>- and it's really as simple as it sounds. Begin with 2 slices of traditional Wonder Bread, place 1 slice of Havarti KRAFT Natural Slices atop one slice, layer the slice with thinly cut fresh strawberries, then spread an even layer of Baker's Semi-Sweet Chocolate shavings atop and hit the griddle. While I'm sure this could be done with some chocolate spreads- I find the Baker's chocolate melts very satisfying as sort of a 'glue' between my strawberries and makes for the perfect grilled cheese experience.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Grilled Cheese 3 Ways #ShareYourCheesy #Client" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ4p1rRNcMI/VNpSGWnvYZI/AAAAAAAA104/vBVokAaDhkY/s1600/%23ShareTheCheesy%2B%23Client%2BK2.png" title="" /></div>I think, by now, I've proven my argument well enough- it doesn't matter your age or background, there is a grilled cheese sandwich for you. This is simply one thing Momma and I are going to have to agree to disagree on. there will always be a special place in my heart, and my tummy, for this beloved sandwich. <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Do you have a special/favorite way to enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich?</b></i></span><br /><br />Share a photos of your grilled cheese creation with the #ShareYourCheesy and #Entry hashtags to enter to win great prizes from KRAFT and Walmart, through the end of February! Check out these delicious Grilled Cheese Sandwich Creations below for more inspiration and visit the <a href="http://see.walmart.com/kraftfoods?cid=cob.633.8038.2290" rel="nofollow">Cooking Up Good</a> hub for even more delicious recipes with your favorite KRAFT products!<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says:<span style="color: #e06666;"> If loving grilled cheese is wrong, I don't want to be right!</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2pJLc1mY5M/VNpeDYxWQzI/AAAAAAAA11I/TBNA5e0JE5U/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2pJLc1mY5M/VNpeDYxWQzI/AAAAAAAA11I/TBNA5e0JE5U/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a data-pin-board-width="735" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="600" data-pin-scale-width="150" href="https://www.pinterest.com/mommatoldme/lets-get-cheesy-grilled-cheese-recipes/">Follow Momma Told Me's board Let's Get Cheesy- Grilled Cheese Recipes on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 735px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/yIPlAmO4iC/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">February is coming and I think that's the perfect month to #ShareYourCheesy- There's nothing quite like the comfort of a Kraft #grilledcheese #sandwich with warm #tomatosoup. Why not share a grilled cheese with someone you love today? Of course this wouldn't be the bomb.com without Wonder Bread either! Wanna share a plate with me? #client #ad #foodie #snacktime #comfortfood #cheese #cheesy #ValentinesDay</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by Jenna Marie's (@mommatoldme) on <time datetime="2015-01-21T20:06:47+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 21, 2015 at 12:06pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></div></div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/grilled-cheese-3-ways-recipes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-6824248826934153723Mon, 09 Feb 2015 20:34:00 +00002015-02-09T12:34:32.455-08:00#CollectiveBias#SoFabUOTRblog growthbloggingCaliforniacommunityconferenceJohnny RocketsLos AngelesMiss CaliforniaMullersocial fabricSoFabtravelVigLinkInvest In #SoFabUOTR As A Blogger, And Grow As A Person***I will receive complimentary admission to a #SoFabUOTR event in exchange for my honest thoughts here. Thanks to Heather Riccobono of <a href="http://briebrieblooms.com/" rel="nofollow">Brie Brie Blooms</a> for donating some photos to this post!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#SoFabUOTR Los Angles 2015 " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDIq3ZdYK9Q/VNkGNRz---I/AAAAAAAA1yw/AtVXcU1qvmY/s1600/%23SoFabUOTR%2BGroup.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">The best way to grow is to connect.</span></b></span></span><br /><br />I've only been to 3 conferences, so far, in my 5 year blogging career. When I talk to my fellow bloggers I sometimes feel like a fish out of water as they discuss monetization and ambassadorships. I didn't start Momma Told Me to write sponsored posts, in fact it took Shelley, Still Blonde After All These Years a solid year of weekly nudges just to get me to apply to the online blogging community, Social Fabric. That's because the focus of her pushing was income- and I had no desire to 'sell space' on my blog. I write and create for fun, this website is my most satisfying outlet and I'd be just as thrilled with 20 subscribers as 20k. I'd looked at 'all the other suitors' and turned down ample invitations from marketing groups and blogging companies, and simply had no interest in joining SoFab.<br /><br />"They'd love you- you tell such great stories," Shelley had said in that fateful plea, the very evening I applied to become a Social Fabric/ Collective Bias member. Stories. The true honest core of blogging, to share a bit of yourself, your life, your views, your experiences, your advice. Finally something I could connect with.<br /><br />However, what I got was so much more- SoFab was a community, not a company. They understood that bloggers weren't websites but people, and that each of their voices had unique value not only to their clients, but to the bloggers they wove this community with. Yes, there were opportunities to make income through sponsored content, but even the sponsored content was carefully crafted with engaging prompts intended to excite and inspire bloggers through organic content. And whether you were looking for a fellow mother to swap teething advice with, or a rock star blogger to learn photography tips, Social Fabric provided a closely knit community to grow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#SoFabUOTR Los Angles 2015 VigLink" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y58bCR21wgE/VNkGR9XhSNI/AAAAAAAA1y4/9cX4Ed4BBd4/s1600/%23SoFabUOTR%2BVigLink.png" title="" /></div>When we grow, in any capacity, as a human, we instantly become a better blogger, a better storyteller. And that is why #SoFabCon14 was the first blogging conference I chose to attend. And, after attending BlogHer later that year, there was no comparison, in my mind as to which held more value for me as a blogger. Social Fabric had taken the same community focus, and individual opportunity for growth and magnified it in a 3 day action-packed event. Attendees networked at community meals, connected and communicated through special conference activities, learned invaluable information across numerous lessons and topics, and partied through the night.<br /><br />I wish every blogger could go to SoFabCon.<br /><br />And, I am so delighted to tell you that now you can. Social Fabric/ Collective Bias has revolutionized the modern blog conference and created an event series that is truly unique. New for 2015, their one-day mini con, SoFab U On The Road will cover 11 unique cities nationwide, with an evolving schematic of activities and lessons. That's right, not one conference will be identical to another, speakers and topics will vary, and I find myself wishing I had a bus to attend them all in!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#SoFabUOTR Los Angles 2015 Miss California" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6FhQUhvhOA/VNkGWkdKJXI/AAAAAAAA1zA/QDjHWmHU5vM/s1600/%23SoFabUOTR%2BMiss%2BCalifornia.png" title="" /></div>So what can you expect when you attend #SoFabUOTR? Each stop has a limited number of tickets (Los Angeles was 40) and will sell out quickly with the reasonable ticket price of just $99. Last week I attended the very first event on the tour and was blown away by the intimate, yet well rounded, experience. Keep in mind that my stop was the first run of the series, and schedules/planning is bound to change and fine tune as the company listens carefully to the feedback of attendees; but I'll be happy to share a general breakdown of our day.<br /><br />With Johnny Rockets as the official host for #SoFabUOTR, bloggers and SoFab employees gathered at the City of Industry SpeedZone to kick their day of with a delicious complimentary breakfast featuring <a href="http://www.mullerquaker.com/" rel="nofollow">Muller</a> yogurt. I don't usually do brand shout-outs but this yogurt changed my life, ya'll- I have been hunting the dairy case at my local Walmart for the delicious ice cream inspired flavors (hello Raspberry Chip) since! After we'd grabbed some grub we settled in at small tables designed to spark conversation and information sharing among bloggers with a similar interest. My table was Video, where I learned how to find public domain music from the Windows Video Maker 'free music archive,' and all about creating a personal filming space (even if it's in your master closet with a backdrop!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#SoFabUOTR Los Angles 2015 Johnny Rockets City of Industry SpeedZone" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jABtINJFaM/VNkGaFel7MI/AAAAAAAA1zI/tUBAwjukB2E/s1600/%23soFabUOTR%2BLA%2BFood%2BB.png" title="" /></div>After breakout sessions we were treated to a course on monetization in blogging by Alea Milham, <a href="http://premeditatedleftovers.com/" rel="nofollow"><i>Premeditated Leftovers</i></a>, who had more tips and tricks to streamline traffic and get your content seen than anyone I'd ever had the pleasure of talking to. She was so full of knowledge our conference group begged for her to come back on at the end of the day to share some more, before we left. After Alea there was a Q&amp;A with a well known area fashion blogger and sponsor <a href="http://www.viglink.com/" rel="nofollow">VigLink</a>- which proved to be a wonderful monetizing option for painlessly inserting affiliate links into existing and organic content. At this time it was then time for lunch with almost all the french fries, hand spun shakes, and hamburgers you could eat, thanks to <a href="http://www.johnnyrockets.com/" rel="nofollow">Johnny Rockets</a>. If you think there isn't something for you on their menu, think again, this conference spread had a wealth of healthy alternatives, including the Boca burger patty and all new Johnny Rockets grilled chicken salads!<br /><br />While we ate we were treated to an interesting brand panel, where executives and PR representatives from 4 major brands answered some burning questions about their exposure needs and personal brand struggles in marketing. Afterwards we were treated to 2 very special adventures (each SoFabUOTR location will have adventures unique to them) in which we got to interview Miss California and pose for a photo with her, as well as get a hands on grilling experience with Johnny Rockets head creative chef! It's had to believe we packed so much into one day, but the networking, and just connecting on a real level with Social Fabric employees and fellow bloggers was a priceless value well worth admission alone.<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i> I will be attending the Phoenix stop, date pending, in March and would love to see you there- check out the <a href="http://ontheroad.socialfabric.us/" rel="nofollow">SoFabU On The Road</a> map and be sure to catch a stop near you.</i></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What Daughter Says:<span style="color: #e06666;"> Find time for a smaller, more intimate conference, and experience the value of connecting with brands and bloggers.</span></span></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbeQZDNxVok/VNkZxdXd5xI/AAAAAAAA1zY/A7rV9QsasdA/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbeQZDNxVok/VNkZxdXd5xI/AAAAAAAA1zY/A7rV9QsasdA/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">&nbsp;</span></span><i><br /></i></b></span></div><br />http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/invest-in-sofabuotr-conferences.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-2506620944724950224Fri, 06 Feb 2015 20:41:00 +00002015-02-06T12:45:49.106-08:00blog postphotosscenicsouthern californiathe crossStop, Breathe- Scenery From Serra Cross, Grant Park, San Buenaventura<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Serra Cross, Grant Park, San Buenaventura, Southern California" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq8NIu2LlTY/VNUhysFleyI/AAAAAAAA1vI/5BGlCXlio5I/s1600/%23MMBloggerSpotlight%2BA2.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Stop. Breathe.</span></b></span></span><br /><br />You may have noticed some changes around here lately *points around,* in particular to the blog's face. The redesign I started last year was finally installed by an amazingly patient, and 'on top of it' blogger who offers web design services. (Email me and I will be glad to refer her.) It's a long story but I paid a designer to overhaul my blog last September and ended up having to do all the layout and graphics myself. When the new year rolled around I knew it was time I cut my losses and I inherited some very rough coding of the child that was my new web-face. All's well that ends well, though, <b><i>what do you think of the new design?</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Serra Cross, Grant Park, San Buenaventura, Southern California" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S42j5R2aKjc/VNUif5N4A1I/AAAAAAAA1vo/YffU7m98qVw/s1600/The%2BCross%2BPano%2BSM.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'm a bit in awe that we are screaming towards February in a new year and I have so much ahead of me to accomplish, but so many wonderful things 'in the works' I can't wait to share. You'll have to stay tuned for the later, as I promise next week will be chocked full of great goodies for you, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlogPopEventsandGroup" rel="nofollow">Blog POP!</a>'s Spring Fling is just around the corner March 26-29th! Mostly I can't wait to share some colorful recipes like my Circus Animal Cookie Truffles (adorable AND delicious) or my grilled cheese round-up, but there's also some valuable content like out inside peek at #SoFabUOTR Los Angles, and simple tips to maintain a healthy immune system.<b><i> Make sure you're subscribed to our Mad Mimi newsletter feed (points up top) so you don't miss anything!</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Serra Cross, Grant Park, San Buenaventura, Southern California" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrbyAYFbqUA/VNUiu6Ml0TI/AAAAAAAA1vw/z8TULfvV9O0/s1600/TheCross%2BA.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>But I'm mainly typing this post today because, while keeping it real is something I pride myself on, here at Momma Told Me, its nice to just 'blog' without a particular purpose from time to time. I've noticed many of my friends, family, and fellow bloggers have become caught up in the tasks of the new year and are a bit frazzled and overwhelmed. We have a spot locally that's sort of a make-out point for young lovers, but also a very important historical and scenic lookout- The Serra Cross at Grant Park, Ventura, CA. This SoCal spot is stunning no matter the time of day or season, with a 360 degree view of the Southern California beach-side city below. <a href="http://californiathroughmylens.com/serra-cross-park-ventura" rel="nofollow">The Cross</a> itself was a marker planted by Father Junipero Serra upon the foundation of California's 9th mission, but remains the city's most prominent landmark to this day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Serra Cross, Grant Park, San Buenaventura, Southern California" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-H01ePFIcw/VNUi0SdYkgI/AAAAAAAA1v4/-iHCS6_xAJw/s1600/TheCross%2BB.png" title="" /></div>I post these photos not for a religious tie-in; in fact, whether you follow a faith or not, the natural beauty of the lookout, coupled by the hundreds of people who flock to this point daily is enough to inspire the soul. Every day, so far, this year I have stopped what I'm doing to send a simple message, perhaps an inspiring photo, maybe an email telling those around me to take a breath. Life moves all too fast, and it's easy to get caught in the deadlines, the social statuses, the news, and the grind of simply living. So, today, stop and take a moment to just live- no other task, no goal, just be in that moment, and breat<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">he.</span></span> :)<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">I can't argue with this advice, it's a gem I use often.</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yffoA935h_8/VNUmkGJBV_I/AAAAAAAA1wE/S7awS2NQVRE/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yffoA935h_8/VNUmkGJBV_I/AAAAAAAA1wE/S7awS2NQVRE/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/serra-cross-grant-park-california.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-259560046862777961Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:50:00 +00002015-02-04T15:50:09.115-08:00batterycellphonesdatalife hackspower savingSmartphoneSmartphone AccessoriestechThat Time My Smartphone Left Me Stranded In LA + Battery Saving Tips<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 15.5556px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This is a Fashionista Events opportunity.</i></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="How I feel when my smartphone battery dies unexpectedly!" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gE_ZzYIF84/VNKq_2PNsfI/AAAAAAAA1rY/FDIiFCu-Oys/s1600/Out%2BOf%2Bpower.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Some skills will always be useful.</span></b></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Confession time. </b></i>Just last Friday I was on <span style="font-family: inherit;">my way home from #SoFabUOTR<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Los Angeles after having consumed one too many Johnny Rockets Milk<span style="font-family: inherit;">shakes and running on 3 hours of sleep. I generally don't drive long distances after dark because it makes me uncomfortable, so <span style="font-family: inherit;">the very thought of passing through Los Angeles on a Friday evening at rush <span style="font-family: inherit;">hour <span style="font-family: inherit;">immediately</span> gave me anxiety. I l<span style="font-family: inherit;">ive just under 80 miles <span style="font-family: inherit;">North of Lo<span style="font-family: inherit;">s Angeles and it can take 2 1/5 to 3 hours to travel that seemingly short span. It is not for the faint of heart- but I put on my big girl panties,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> cranked up my Jason Mraz CD and hit the road co<span style="font-family: inherit;">unting the miles until I could turn my en<span style="font-family: inherit;">gin<span style="font-family: inherit;">e off again.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If we did not live in a world with 4<span style="font-family: inherit;">G connected Smartphones I wouldn'<span style="font-family: inherit;">t have even attempted the trip on my own<span style="font-family: inherit;">, I kid you not. That is how severe my anxiety is, <span style="font-family: inherit;">dri<span style="font-family: inherit;">ving through, around, or past the 405- Carmageddon never ended ya'll. Driving in SoCal takes a special <span style="font-family: inherit;">kind of <span style="font-family: inherit;">patience</span>, or serious road rage; and I don't seem to have been born with either. But I was good- I had my smartphone by my side and Google Maps would navigate me around any and all delays without a second thought. Or, at least that's how it normally goes.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="10 Tips to save your smarthpone battery life- life hacks for your smartphone." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_M9wy96AIs/VNKr13jtP0I/AAAAAAAA1rw/xquh5Lasi2Q/s1600/Smartphone%2BBattery%2BTips%2BB.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not 15 miles from my starting destination, and 25 minutes into my trip my phone's screen went black just as I was merging into the heart of downtown LA. I frantically tapped the screen thinking my phone had somehow fell asleep, my heart sinking into my stomach as I begin to realize the USB cord I had been using to charge on my trip had jostled loose and was no longer connected. My phone, my GPS, my lifeline was DEAD and as far as I was concerned I was stranded in the middle of a foreign country speaking another language. Resorting to my primal instincts I was forced to pay attention to my car's navigation system and actually READ the highway signs. I knew where I was headed, and vaguely how to get there, but without my phone to hold my hand I was needlessly stressed and panicked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For better or for worse, we rely on our smartphones to do a lot in our day to day lives. They keep us in touch with loved ones, clients, and bosses, tell us if that mole is suspicious or an ingrown hair, guide us clear across the state without a single road map, send emails to other countries in an instant, keep the toddler from screaming at the restaurant, and help us take selfies worthy of a PEOPLE magazine cover. <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>When was the worst time your smartphone battery died on you? </b></i></span>Check out the hilarious video below which pokes fun of how the world might fall apart if we all lost mobile power!</div><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Daughter Says: </span></span><span style="color: #e06666;">I know how to read a map, but I'd rather learn how to keep my smartphone alive.</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPnbdXRvVCY/VNKvYgnl-xI/AAAAAAAA1sM/mfI2ECtI1NU/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPnbdXRvVCY/VNKvYgnl-xI/AAAAAAAA1sM/mfI2ECtI1NU/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="455" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LuVsf_hE7gM" width="700"></iframe><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 15.5556px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></span></span>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/10-power-saving-tips-for-your-smartphone.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-1883481779425554179Tue, 03 Feb 2015 20:01:00 +00002015-02-03T20:24:31.038-08:00amazon primeentertainmenthistorical dramaHistory networkmediastreamingtelevisionwhat I'm streamingWhat I'm Streaming: Vikings, Amazon Prime Seasons 1-2, New Season February 8th<img alt="What I'm Streaming: Vikings on Amazon Prime and the History Network" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5jiu3c8vZs/VNEjQWRY6DI/AAAAAAAA1mQ/hWyiFDWZ9L8/s1600/Vikings%2BA.png" title="" />As you know by now I'm a very eclectic viewer. Much like my taste in music, my television programming interests vacillate from absurdly indulgent/guilty pleasure (let's use Taylor Swift as an example) to intellectually stimulating (Leonard Cohen.) I find today's media entertainment fascinating for the sheer range and variety it presents the modern consumer. It's hard to swallow that a show such as America's Funniest Home Videos has been on the air almost as long as I have been alive- after all, does it really matter whether the father being hit in the crotch with the T-Ball bat is wearing a red shirt or blue? We've seen it a million times before. And while most plots are ultimately recycled to fit the theme and characters of a program, I crave that which is different.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: Vikings on Amazon Prime and the History Network" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUmXNlRVlqo/VNEjVXShtYI/AAAAAAAA1mY/85Yfu3jy_1c/s1600/Vikings%2BB.png" title="" /></div>Sometimes these 'different' shows push the comfort levels of the modern viewer and even alienate an entire demographic with it's guttural presentation. When Sons of Anarchy first began it was most commonly referred to as 'male programming' and the general buzz was 'that show my husband watches while I tune into the Bachelor.' As it turned out, SOA has proved to be one of the most successful dramas of my generation so far, and on it's series finale nearly 40% of viewers were, in fact, female. What makes a program so seemingly rough, in your face violent, and in general down right filthy appeal to the modern female viewer? The role in which even the most mundane of female characters play as integral support for the dominant male leaders within it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: Vikings on Amazon Prime and the History Network" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw_YJEeZ1I0/VNEjbYazsHI/AAAAAAAA1mg/FQj0X_LzOx4/s1600/vikings%2BC.png" title="" /></div>History's Vikings is the imagined retelling of one of the best known mythological Vikings, Ragnar Lothbrok, and the Norsemen who stand defiantly by his side through fearless exploration and (then) astounding principle discoveries. While the program is based on a mythical character, rest assured that History has done their due diligence ensuring painstaking details from wardrobe and livelihood to migration and discoveries are illustrated with factual presence. The show, for me, has always mirrored that of SOA, not only because the actor who portrays Ragnar is a fairly good doppelganger for Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) but the comradely of his fellow Vikings, who are quick to support him as their leader presents a very similar and beautifully illustrated pack dynamic.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: Vikings on Amazon Prime and the History Network" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SY5ElavdgsI/VNEjfKLRCfI/AAAAAAAA1mo/0VtkUrBx2LI/s1600/Vikings%2BD.png" title="" /></div>While your husband or better half would likely have no complaints curling up and watching this feast of violence and conquest, rest assured that the material is not done in a crude or tasteless fashion. As in most historical founded programs the women are fiercely strong and always in control of their own outcomes, most often driving the powerful men they stand beside to their most noteworthy achievements. Not only are the sets, wardrobe, and locations (filmed in Ireland) captivating but the characters individual stories are quick to pull you in. <span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Catch Seasons 1 and 2 of Vikings on Amazon Prime now, and tune into the History network February 8th for the premiere of Season 3!</i></b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzBBqkfjg20/VNEoiM_s8YI/AAAAAAAA1m4/ggm1GHVYNXU/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzBBqkfjg20/VNEoiM_s8YI/AAAAAAAA1m4/ggm1GHVYNXU/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/what-im-streaming-vikings.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-1844336411959613968Sun, 01 Feb 2015 20:49:00 +00002015-02-03T18:04:36.709-08:00giveawayphotographyselfie sticksmartphone photographysolo sticktechtomosonTake Selfies With Ease- #SoloStick Pro Gold Photography Secret Giveaway<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP0d45f302f501e748cb7bfeaf57eefa94" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a><br />***I received the following product in exchange for my honest thoughts. All photos and opinions contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhyxhMRo78E/VM2ZjgHKp6I/AAAAAAAA1kg/-ox_uOgTzbI/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(1)%2Ba.png"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhyxhMRo78E/VM2ZjgHKp6I/AAAAAAAA1kg/-ox_uOgTzbI/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(1)%2Ba.png" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">You can't live behind that camera!</span></b></span></span><br /><br />As a blogger I firmly believe that&nbsp; take the best photos of myself. If I had a dollar for every time Jay and I have gotten into a row over photos for a 'fashion post' photo shoot I'd have that Cannon T5i that's been on my wish list for so long! You seem I've probably taken more photos of myself than those taken of me, by everyone I've known my entire life, combined. I've learned every selfie Smartphone angle, how to strap my DSLR around my neck so I can auto-snap photos of my hands in a step-by-step recipe, and even the exact timer rotation on my point and shoot. They don't teach classes in that, folks- those are Blogger street smarts, and they're skills I think we shouldn't have to acquire.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXOJyxbOXVg/VM2Z1QXeOaI/AAAAAAAA1ko/CkTMSQT0pZI/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(5).png"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qXOJyxbOXVg/VM2Z1QXeOaI/AAAAAAAA1ko/CkTMSQT0pZI/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(5).png" /></a></div>When I was a little girl I clearly remember inheriting my father's first Polaroid camera and thinking it was just pure magic. Not only did the 'shake' developing dance prove a fun way to pass time, but I was also convinced the rhythm in which I shook that photo would have a direct impact on the quality of that photo. On one specific occasion I recall receiving a new Barbie for my birthday and running upstairs to pair her with the Ken doll I'd had for months. Unfortunately Barbie's perfect proportions proved less than perfectly practical and I couldn't pose the duo in front of their new abode (my dollhouse) without holding her up. I very clearly remember going downstairs into the hall closet and retrieving a broom which I used to press the shutter trigger on my Polaroid, while it balanced on my toy trunk some 4 feet away. Shot achieved!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ2UefsQytM/VM2Z8WQmqPI/AAAAAAAA1kw/gP3nwBYIGzI/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(3).png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ2UefsQytM/VM2Z8WQmqPI/AAAAAAAA1kw/gP3nwBYIGzI/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(3).png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6dKlILRCTQ/VM2Z8QFIUzI/AAAAAAAA1k0/nG4MrrJaIjA/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(4)%2Ba.png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6dKlILRCTQ/VM2Z8QFIUzI/AAAAAAAA1k0/nG4MrrJaIjA/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(4)%2Ba.png" /></a></div>Today, capturing that inspiration, moment, or memory is easier than ever with cameras in nearly every mobile device, and a virtually unlimited roll of digital film. But I can't very well place my $500 phone in a tree and 'hope' to catch that shot in the hill before I lose my balance, or it tumbles down. So the #SoloStick is here to provide an immediate solution to taking photos&nbsp; of just about anything, with you in the photo. No more snapshots of friends at conferences with you behind the lens, and more more painfully close close-ups at arm's length. Made of an incredibly lightweight aluminum reinforced base, the Solo Selfie Stick extends from 11" to 36" and is compatible with most point and shoot cameras as well as modern Smartphone and Tablet devices.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny2lfjOwd6U/VM2aAz-rnaI/AAAAAAAA1lA/oYkjJN5XbEM/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(11)%2Ba.png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny2lfjOwd6U/VM2aAz-rnaI/AAAAAAAA1lA/oYkjJN5XbEM/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(11)%2Ba.png" /></a></div>With an adjustable rubberized phone mount, the Solo Stick can accommodate devices as large as the iPhone 6 and Galaxy Note 4, though your wrist may need some training to stabilize larger/heavier devices when extended to full length. <a href="http://solostick.com/solo-stick-pro-gold/" rel="nofollow">I used my Solo Stick Pro Gold</a> with my Samsung Galaxy S3 and noticed the same part which secured the cell phone mount adapter had to be securely locked to stabilize the phone, otherwise the weight would un-thread the base and my phone would rotate in use. I also notices, for my specific phone, that the extra wide/long cell phone mount seemed to be positioned so it hit my phone's On/Off buttons if I wasn't paying attention. My phone rebooted 3 times during this photoshoot, and moving the mount's grip away from the buttons threw off the weight balance of the phone at the end of the Solo Stick.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiAdiOGfCeA/VM2aNn1zfoI/AAAAAAAA1lQ/542Md7dE1wk/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(8)%2Ba.png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiAdiOGfCeA/VM2aNn1zfoI/AAAAAAAA1lQ/542Md7dE1wk/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(8)%2Ba.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrpJ89dY73M/VM2aNZFBJYI/AAAAAAAA1lI/W94B4wGNOBo/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(10).png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrpJ89dY73M/VM2aNZFBJYI/AAAAAAAA1lI/W94B4wGNOBo/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(10).png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPaMLMJi83Q/VM2aNXMXzhI/AAAAAAAA1lM/KirqM2GuK3U/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(12)%2Ba.png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPaMLMJi83Q/VM2aNXMXzhI/AAAAAAAA1lM/KirqM2GuK3U/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(12)%2Ba.png" /></a></div>All this aside, a selfie stick is definitely something any blogger should have in their bag of tricks, and any none blogger should have just for vacations, gatherings, and general photography fun. You can truly capture some fun angles, and are sure to have a blast learning how to angle the stick to get that flawless selfie. In the collage above the far Right photo was taken with my forward facing 5 MP camera, and the two to the Left were taken with my phone's main 14 MP camera. In addition, to give you an idea of the quality of images you can capture with your Smartphone and the Solo Stick Pro, the 2 photos directly above and below were captured with my smartphone's main 14 MP camera.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2WEuy8csL0/VM2anSABjAI/AAAAAAAA1lk/0YhrPspKVQs/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(1).png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2WEuy8csL0/VM2anSABjAI/AAAAAAAA1lk/0YhrPspKVQs/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(1).png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HTGws6JYds/VM2anbqBYII/AAAAAAAA1lg/4kN7U_-vPSk/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(9).png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HTGws6JYds/VM2anbqBYII/AAAAAAAA1lg/4kN7U_-vPSk/s1600/Solo%2BStick%2BPro%2BGold%2B(9).png" /></a></div>So how do I get my smartphone to take photos at the end of a Solo Stick? Also sold by the same company is an absolute must have for anyone photographing with a Bluetooth device, the <a href="http://solostick.com/solo-stick-shutter-remote/" rel="nofollow">Solo Stick Shutter device</a>, compatible with any ios or Android device. For less than $10 you can turn your phone into a hands free (or Solo Stick compatible) camera with a range of up to 30 feet! Together, these two products rock my socks with a whole new world of photo-journalistic opportunities. I can't wait to share what I capture next! <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>How would you use your Solo Stick first?</b></i></span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">Getting in front of the lens is easier than ever with a great selfie stick and shutter remote.</span></b></span><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O4SGxP5kOZU/VM6PypIDqOI/AAAAAAAA1l8/HyhmBJViIDY/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O4SGxP5kOZU/VM6PypIDqOI/AAAAAAAA1l8/HyhmBJViIDY/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>One Momma Told Me reader will win a Solo Stick Pro Gold.</b></i></span></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/GNRKh/solo-stick-pro-gold" rel="nofollow">Solo Stick Pro Gold</a><script async="true" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script> </div><a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM0d45f302f501e748cb7bfeaf57eefa94" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" style="display: none;" /></a>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/02/solo-stick-pro-gold.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-2477681580069719464Thu, 29 Jan 2015 23:25:00 +00002015-01-29T15:25:20.435-08:00cake ballscherry dessertscherry recipescordial cherrydessertsholiday recipesValentine's DayCordial Cherry Cake Balls Recipe For Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2csW-zrj51c/VMqnHsO_7KI/AAAAAAAA1iY/1pZe0-ibtWU/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2Bm3.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Just roll with it.</span></b></span></span><br /><br />I was a pretty picky child when I was younger, but there were few things I wouldn't eat if they were dipped in chocolate. I even distinctly remember even being coaxed into chomping a confection dipped cricket while on vacation once. But the cordial cherry was my nemesis. And every year, beginning in the Winter and rolling straight through Valentine's Day, boxes upon boxes would appear in our pantry cabinet. When Momma caught on to my disgust for the candy she began integrating them forcefully into boxes of ordinary chocolates simply to dissuade my appetite for sneaking one. While she could clearly tell the difference I wasn't about to risk biting into&nbsp; shell that very well might begin leaking a syrupy liquid.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Up1vvpcmkI/VMqnTFmMlqI/AAAAAAAA1ig/KmwdfMJfjG4/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BA2.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYMD_izsbrs/VMqnTSEmqUI/AAAAAAAA1ik/eD4o4H78JS8/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BC.png" /></div>As I matured, so did my tastebuds, and I learned that I truly did like the flavors of a cordial cherry but that I simply couldn't get past the texture. Cordial, within the food world most often references a type of liqueur or a fruit 'suspended in a liquid and enrobed in chocolate.' This time of the year you'll find cordial cherry flavored confections from Hershey's Kisses and M&amp;M's to chocolate meltaways for baking. While all of these can be incorporated into just about any recipe for a dash of flavor, I truly wanted to rethink the cordial cherry in texture and spirit, while still staying true to it's origins.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWv5KvCDKp4/VMqnjLeFVlI/AAAAAAAA1i0/oDuljk8dN8A/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BD.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHM9TssOSGw/VMqni9QVkMI/AAAAAAAA1iw/HcRpKcFOW-I/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BF.png"><img alt="These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHM9TssOSGw/VMqni9QVkMI/AAAAAAAA1iw/HcRpKcFOW-I/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BF.png" title="" /></a></div>Cake balls are amazing- They are incredibly versatile and time saving when it comes to developing new twists on beloved classics. The only thing I, personally find a pain, is the traditional 'stick' they are presented on within their Cake Pop form. If you've ever tried to make cake pops, even with a mold/pan, you know the plight of dipping cake balls on a stick. It's simply no fun. That's why this Cordial Cherry Cake Ball recipe relies on the classic method of cake&nbsp;+ frosting = cake balls for the majority of the work. This is truly a recipe so simple even beginning bakers can do it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UncoGLYbxOQ/VMqobV1qLZI/AAAAAAAA1jg/bhFOb33z8AI/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BG2.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Start with one box of classic white (egg white recipe) cake mix, baked in a 9 x 13" pan. Once the cake has cooled flip it onto a clean surface and trim the majority of the browned surfaces off with a knife or cake leveler. I like to reserve the browned cake for my own reserve of cake balls- these taste the same but will not appear as 'white' when bit into. Combine the white cake with 1/2 tub of white frosting and 3 drops of Rum extract (optional.) Next, use a cookie scoop to drop rounded TBS sized balls of dough onto parchment paper. Gently take your index finger and hollow out a pit in the center of each dough ball. Most important in this process, you will need to pat dry your cherries with stems to ensure they don't seem moisture into the cake ball and cause separation.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apUXuFrPjCg/VMqny0hYphI/AAAAAAAA1jI/w867ljPtD9A/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BI.png" title="" /></div>Gently push your cherries into the center of the cake balls, rolling the cake mixture into a ball around them. While you can chill your cake balls while you wait to dip them I do not recommend freezing them as this can cause your confection to crack or spot after dipping. Melt your chocolate in a double broiler or Wilton's Melting Pot and dip each ball, by the stem, into the chocolate, gently rolling to coat all sides. Place your Cordial Cherry Cake Balls on a clean piece of parchment paper and refrigerate 2-3 hours, or until chocolate is firm. If you notice your chocolate is not smooth enough to dip, ad 1 TSP shortening at a time until it reaches an even texture (to slowly roll off a spoon.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFsOS6oI7Ig/VMqn8WElBqI/AAAAAAAA1jQ/N6BV1WG-qD8/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BJ2.png" title="" /></div>I've got to say these are super fun to look at, with the stems standing up, and very fun finger treats at any gathering.&nbsp; I thought about adding some festive heart sprinkles to really dress them up for Valentine's Day but I kind of like their 'polished' presentation- almost like an over-sized dipped cherry. These will definitely be appearing next to the dipped oranges and apples on our spread this February 14th! The cake batter inside is especially moist and spongy when the rum extract is added, and the flavor is spot on indulgent, without any real liqueur.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VskGeEa8PQk/VMqoCu48sxI/AAAAAAAA1jY/njMXmzMoETE/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BK.png" title="" /></div>My days of lavish romantic dates and dinnertime traffic on the way to that 4 course reservation may be gone, but I can still indulge in a little decadence and romance- and no more crumpled Cordial Cherry face! <span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>When it comes to a box of chocolates, what's your favorite confection? </i></b></span>I always tend to go for dark chocolate covered nuts, or coconut squares, but a good caramel is quite indulgent to! Stay tuned for more Valentine's Day recipes over the next few weeks!<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">When in doubt, turn it into a cake ball.</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqUBUelzXl4/VMq9mP7FdiI/AAAAAAAA1j4/UhERpmYVCmM/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqUBUelzXl4/VMq9mP7FdiI/AAAAAAAA1j4/UhERpmYVCmM/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="These Cordial Cherry Cake Balls have all the fun and flavor of a cordial cherry without the syrup or mess. Try them for Valentine's Day!" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uj9MTQBY80w/VMqohigjK8I/AAAAAAAA1jo/qNn14O6fyxM/s1600/Cherry%2BCordial%2BBalls%2BL.png" title="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cordial Cherry Cake Balls</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>***Click for <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mommatoldmeblog/cordial-cherry-cake-balls?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" rel="nofollow">Cordial Cherry Cake Balls</a> recipe.</b></i></div><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Box White Cake Mix (and ingredients to make it)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Tub White Frosting</div><div style="text-align: center;">8oz Maraschino Cherries (with stems)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 C Semi-Sweet Melting Chocolates </div><div style="text-align: center;">Rum Extract (optional)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Prepare and bake boxed cake mix, per the (egg white only) instructions, in a greased 9" x 13" pan. Allow cake to cook entirely before flipping it onto a clean work surface. Trim all brown edges and surfaces with a knife or cake leveler. Place browned cake leftovers in a separate bowl (I usually make separate cake balls with them as they will not be as pretty (white) against the cherry.)&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Combine approximately half of your tub of frosting with the white cake and rum extract (optional) until the texture is even and mold-able, but not too dry. The cake should hold it's shape when rolled into a ball.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Using a cookie scoop drop 1 TBS rounded balls of cake ball mix onto a piece of parchment paper. Using your finger gently create a pocket int he middle of each cake ball. Wipe all of your maraschino cherries off with a dry paper towel, trying to soak as much liquid from them as possible. Gently place the cherry into the divet in your cake ball, and roll the cake around the cherry to envelop it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Dip each cake ball, by the stem, into a double broiler of melted chocolate or Wilton's melting pot. Adjust the thickness of your dipping chocolate by adding shortening until the chocolate evenly coats your cake balls without running off (too thin.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Place your Cordial Cherry Cake Balls on a clean piece of parchment paper and refrigerate 2-3 hours to set, or until ready to serve.</div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/cordial-cherry-cake-balls.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-2197123533185934177Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:39:00 +00002015-01-27T12:39:29.374-08:00audiogiftsgiveawayheadphonesmusicOn-EartechV-ModaGet Incredible Compact Sound With V-MODA XS Foldable Headphones Giveaway 2/10***I received a product sample in hopes I would share my genuine thoughts here on the blog. All photos and opinions contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMJ-ULmKz0Y/VMfmnr2ItZI/AAAAAAAA1gY/aOkSlbRiLtA/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BZ.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">They're called headphones because the sound goes into your head, not mine!</span></b></span></span><br /><br />I grew up in 80s and 90s. For any young adult today it's hard to imagine one once had to fill a boombox full of 8 D batteries to simply play a mix tape of one's favorite jams on cassette. This was a time when 'portable' meant 'will fit in a backpack or purse' rather than 'will fit in one's pocket' and the best way to enjoy loud, clear, audio on the go was a headset with ugly orange foam pads around the ears. You know the ones- they came with nearly every Walkman, and were so efficient at doing their job everyone within a 10' radius had the pleasure of also enjoying whatever you were listening to. And while, for the most part, I was a miniature version of Momma, growing up, she did not appreciate me playing her favorite songs on loop for hours on end in close proximity.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rogK9KHqgt4/VMfmxr1gNAI/AAAAAAAA1gg/5Qf0T9wfJNA/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BA.png" title="" /></div>When I received my first portable cassette player I was about 12, and I'd walk through the condo (which was already a small space) blasting Alanis Morissette's edited version of <i>Jagged Little Pill</i>. It got so bad that I was eventually banished to only listen to my portable Walkman in my bedroom, quite defeating the purpose of having portable audio, all together. At some point, between tween and teen, I was ever so thoughtfully gifted a pair of 'home audio' headphones which drowned all flooded sound out and in. These were the sort that enveloped your entire ear and had about 2" of noise buffering padding on them. I recall they were far from fashionable, not intended to be worn in public, and made my ears hurt after an hour of use- but it was them or no music at all, so I endured.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UjB9FJZ6g6g/VMfm3PXcfHI/AAAAAAAA1go/LWh7zA0kl1k/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BB.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6i8V3LZ7Hk/VMfm3J5xGfI/AAAAAAAA1gs/cOwI_nSJ9J0/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BC.png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6i8V3LZ7Hk/VMfm3J5xGfI/AAAAAAAA1gs/cOwI_nSJ9J0/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BC.png" /></a></div>I'm sharing this because I have recently discovered the answer to all of my personal audio woes. A product I wish had been around 15 years ago, but one that still proves quite ingenious in my everyday life today. The manufacturer, V-Moda is not only known for their renowned clarity and precision in audio delivery, but their compact <a href="http://v-moda.com/XS" rel="nofollow">V-Moda XS</a> On-Ear Headphones have been praised as "The portable on-ear headphone to beat" by Macworld. If you thin in-ear is sleek and sexy then you haven't seen the XS; these headphones are truly a work of art in design and function with crystal clear M-class sound that highlights precision bass and provides a 3D sound stage experience.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2udzeL1kls/VMfm_cIuLrI/AAAAAAAA1g8/a6n2QDlesDA/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BD.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oULCeJrkgK0/VMfm_cONNZI/AAAAAAAA1hA/rSQwyvoNack/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BF.png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oULCeJrkgK0/VMfm_cONNZI/AAAAAAAA1hA/rSQwyvoNack/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BF.png" /></a></div>Available in 13 finish/color options, with a steelflex headband and Kevlar reinforced cable to withstand over 1 million bends, the V-Moda XS headphones are built to last, and perform through demanding use. For your money you'll also get a stylish exoskeleton case and caribiner to help transport and protect your headphones. And did I mention that the XS store away at half the footprint of their in use size thanks to V-Moda's CliqFold hinges which allow the actual earpieces to fold inside the headband!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q28jVkqXqeQ/VMfnIWY3rzI/AAAAAAAA1hQ/2b3LvefBRgY/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BG.png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q28jVkqXqeQ/VMfnIWY3rzI/AAAAAAAA1hQ/2b3LvefBRgY/s1600/Headphones%2BProduct%2BG.png" /></a></div>One of the things that really excited me about the stylish V-Moda XS on-ear headsets was the option for free customization. This goes beyond your basic engraving options, as the earphone's actually have interchangeable plates you can swap out in varying colors; and each plate has the option for laser engraving of initials, business/band logos, song lyrics, and more. Pretty much anything you dream up can be converted to an engraving on the plate of your choice. Just look at how well our logo came out on the black V-Moda XS! I could not be happier with the clarity of the logo or the quality of the etching.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gLLRS1iNLk/VMfnNkzHC5I/AAAAAAAA1hY/D4MPjeFSPyY/s1600/106_0807%2BQ.png" title="" /></div>But the XS are much more than pretty headphones- they offer several key functions for an everyday multi-use headset. The 24k gold plated 3.5mm jack not only looks great but is compatible with most modern smartphones, MP3 players, and laptop/tablet outputs. This is important because the push to talk microphone embedded in the cord gets lots of use with my when I'm driving and mobile, or simply gaming my MMORPGs late into the night. I especially like that I can hear very clearly through the headset, but that the mic is high enough quality to block out any interference or disturbance during long calls which may involve traveling through various environments.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gqv2wC2tylA/VMfnuq2WMZI/AAAAAAAA1ho/WYzhLfaacds/s1600/Headphones%2BI2.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>These headphones are most praised, however, for their compact presence when being worn. V-Moda worked tirelessly to design a headset that was as sleek and unobtrusive as the leading in-ear headsets. Gone is the giant gab between headband and head, you'll see in most modern headsets, as well as the extra framework often left sticking out from the earpieces once the sizing has been adjusts. The XS is also designed with memory foam earpads for long-term comfort in wear and the Steel-flex frame which avoids common headset pressure points. In truth, I can hardly believe I am hearing such clarity and depth of sound without the traditional headset discomfort.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="V-Moda On-Ear XS Headphones feature a 24k gold plated jack, TruFlex Steel headband, an Exoskeleton Case for storage, and CliqFold technology for a superior, compact, on ear headset. #ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8Kh_-9MruQ/VMfn6bnbJZI/AAAAAAAA1hw/KUuIH44uu-k/s1600/106_0745%2BP2.png" title="" /></div>Audio and audiophile gifts are definitely in for 2015- from wireless speakers to portable audio solutions, there are many options to choose from. If you have a music lover that needs portability and versatility, but seeks the clarity of superior audio, an on ear headset such as the <a href="http://v-moda.com/" rel="nofollow">V-Moda</a> XS is the way to go. Besides, nothing is cooler than seeing a high end piece of tech customized- the engrved faceplates simply rock my socks!<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b> How would you personalize your V-Moda XS headset?</b></span></i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>What Daughter Says:&nbsp; </b></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Sharing is caring but nobody want to hear that Taylor Swift song for the 90th time. Keep your tunes rocking, and to yourself.</span></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNxOSNKMy5w/VMf0RuG2E9I/AAAAAAAA1iA/1MtKtYiQiZM/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNxOSNKMy5w/VMf0RuG2E9I/AAAAAAAA1iA/1MtKtYiQiZM/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>One Momma Told Me reader will win a their own customized V-Moda XS Headset!</b></span></div><a name='more'></a><br /><a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/nZIsJ/vmoda-xs-headphones" rel="nofollow">V-Moda XS Headphones</a><script async="true" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/V-Moda-XS-Headphones.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-4867194443025854109Sat, 24 Jan 2015 22:34:00 +00002015-01-24T14:34:19.662-08:00airbrushbeautycosmeticsnatural beautyreviewtechUse Less Makeup- Natural Beauty Looks With Luminess EPIC Airbrush***I received a sample product in hopes I would share my thoughts here on Momma Told Me. All photos and opinions contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLaiX76-myw/VMQKTqPlUOI/AAAAAAAA1eI/9q6SIWrHU-Y/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BA.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Beauty is only skin deep.</span></b></span></span><br /><br />Airbrushing, as a term, has quite the negative connotation among modern women. Whether you're discussing the latest cover of Cosmopolitan or the actress walking down the red carpet at the Academy Awards, digital and physical airbrush treatments, to enhance beauty or conceal flaws are often associated with professionals and celebrities. I've often struggled with the difference between removing a zit on a model's face in Photoshop versus covering it up with layers of makeup. To me, it really makes no difference. And, at the end of the day, such a thing is trivial compared to the aspect that blemishes, puffiness, and skin tone are ever changing. My personal stance is, if you wear makeup to enhance beauty, it doesn't matter how you do it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adySry86x14/VMQKc6HbFHI/AAAAAAAA1eQ/7nWCn4MIdIE/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BB.png" title="" /></div>That being said, many women do not realize that Airbrush Makeup Systems actually can enhance natural beauty far easier than traditional, or even mineral cosmetics on two levels. Not only do several airbrush makeup companies make hypoallergenic and 'natural' formulas for use with their systems but their are also several mom and pop style brands that custom make organic and natural sourced cosmetics for use with them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CN58iiQL_Q/VMQKp_ksfTI/AAAAAAAA1eY/38jyVY_Na84/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BH.png" title="" /></div>Most importantly, the finite nature of airbrushing makeup allows for a controlled application that is as light and natural in appearance as the user desires. In fact, thanks to the fine distribution, only a few drops of foundation go into the average full facial application. Because the makeup is distributed at such a fine ratio, over such a wide canvas, at once, the minimization of imperfections in skin tone is magnified and dramatically instant. Using an in home airbrush system can save you money, space, and even offer versatility with a wide range of products. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4l4-x9Kkl6Q/VMQKuclw1mI/AAAAAAAA1eg/MEa3cNdKNxE/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BD.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRHrrAE5xq0/VMQKumiT-RI/AAAAAAAA1ek/8WyIHb_jywI/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BJ.png" title="" /></div>If you're like me, you're probably intrigued by the concept of a personal airbrush system, but concerned about the cost of investing in a system itself, and the ease of learning to master it. <a href="https://www.luminessair.com/" rel="nofollow">Luminess Cosmetics</a> manufactures several ranges of personal airbrush makeup systems starting at just under $200- I even spotted (pun intended) a limited edition Leopard Basic System in the online store! There are hours of free to access 'how to' content through the brand and on YouTube- but the Luminess EPIC Airbrush System really spoke to me (literally.) This brand new PRO system has a built in screen with video walk throughs for basic techniques and more!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8jT5JMMro4/VMQK4LTU3vI/AAAAAAAA1ew/yGIR2wuZFvA/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BK.png"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8jT5JMMro4/VMQK4LTU3vI/AAAAAAAA1ew/yGIR2wuZFvA/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BK.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79bWQEhKss4/VMQK4A-ZDWI/AAAAAAAA1e0/kxfofKv_DxQ/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BL.png" title="" /></div>Let me introduce you to Savannah, Sabrina's mother. You've all met her before, but we're going to get a little up close and personal with her pores so I figured a formal introduction was appropriate. These photos were taken just over a week after the birth of her second child. Having just endured her first pregnancy in 11 years Savannah felt like a stranger in her own body and was struggling to reclaim her personal identity through the difficult postpartum period. Can you believe this woman didn't feel beautiful? So I staged an intervention and brought the Luminess EPIC over for a girl's afternoon to see if the two of us could master, or at least manage, personal cosmetics airbrushing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA3YWYM__Ro/VMQLA9-H71I/AAAAAAAA1fA/EymY7EoCqy0/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BM.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ro164LTis2w/VMQLC4NlYJI/AAAAAAAA1fI/1wwEeJaBtxs/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BP.png" title="" /></div>The unit itself is surprising quiet, with a powerful but humming air compressor that remains on during use through a simple switch mechanism. Most Luminess systems come with a starter kit, including primer and moisturizer for application prior to makeup. Using the stylus is as simple as placing 3-4 drops of your desired cosmetic into the stylus barrel and pulling back on the flat (top located) trigger while applying in sweeping motions 5-6 inches from your face. If you are applying at the right distance you should not feel 'wet' or 'sticky' during the process. The key to even application and a natural finish is to remain moving constantly and to maintain an even distance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDL-PI_p1YI/VMQLIQ5--AI/AAAAAAAA1fQ/7pT-MMbTXBU/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BS.png" title="" /></div>Basic application of foundation will take a few uses to truly master- but you likely did not learn to put traditional makeup on overnight either! The videos are extremely helpful with full 'pause' modes so you can visually see the techniques, as well as listen to the audio cues before application. Once you've figured out full face (foundation) application the rest is pretty much child's play as blush allows for a more dramatic (closer application) and eyeshadow is perhaps the strangest part of the experience. Luckily the flow of air emitting from the stylus can be controlled in intensity and is fairly tame on a closed lid.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDLj9WFxOv4/VMQLOFyqztI/AAAAAAAA1fY/283uiSO3iHQ/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BT.png" title="" /></div>Using an airbrush cosmetics system also allows for customization of skin tones and shade blending. Your starter kit will come with 4 shades of skin tones in Light, Medium, or Dark kits. You can literally create and match any hue of skin by alternating various drops of different shades directly in the barrel before application. Your first use will require some playing and swatches o the back of the hand, but once you're figured out your skin tone, you're all set. Best of all, you don't need to buy new makeup during the Summer when you tan, or such, as you can always blend a new hue to suit your skin's changing complexion.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-roz3zwfdD08/VMQLT6Ic-kI/AAAAAAAA1fg/ymbp3jWeH5E/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BV.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NX9RDz0HQ6A/VMQLUaT1JOI/AAAAAAAA1fk/jddUAtrszic/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2BX.png" title="" /></div>Cleaning the airbrush system is very basic and primarily involves running a few drops of water through the stylus before changing colors or putting the unit away. There is a slightly more involved cleaning technique that should be done about once a month to deep clean your instrument and keep it running at optimal performance. We found no irritation or sensitivity in using the Luminess brand of cosmetics and even noted that we felt as though we weren't wearing makeup at all, throughout the day!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9pjsoUGc4Y/VMQLZcWzrrI/AAAAAAAA1fw/O9sMU2UpGaY/s1600/LuminessAir%2BEpic%2Bz.png" title="" /></div>Savannah has beautiful skin and gorgeous freckles- I was glad to see the character of her skin could still shine through the Luminess airbrush makeup, while still providing the control and even finish she was hoping for in her look. This natural look takes about 5 minutes to apply and just 9 drops of product, which means the starter kit alone could last an individual a month. Refill cosmetics are available in house around $8-$12 a bottle, and online through independent brands for $6-$8. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Luminess Cosmetics EPIC Airbrush Makeup System" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsJv_T_b3z0/VMQLeAwKTRI/AAAAAAAA1f4/alzi_Ejykxg/s1600/Sabrina%2BLuminess%2BEPIC.png" title="" /></div>Of course, after waiting for the adults to figure out and play with the Luminess EPIC for 2 hours, ever so patiently, Sabrina wanted her turn. <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">I should note we do NOT let Sabrina wear makeup for any event, so this was a very special and one time treat for her</span> </i></b>(and boy did she ever get a big head, that girl is going to be T-R-O-U-B-L-E.) Using the same cosmetics her mother and I used, I applied&nbsp; slightly thicker application to emulate that which the typical user might apply for a more formal day. It's important to note that we matched Sabrina's skin tone with the SAME colors we used to match her mother- impressive, right?<br /><br />Overall, the <a href="https://www.luminessair.com/Store/ATI_ViewProduct.aspx?CategoryId=125" rel="nofollow">Luminess EPIC</a> system is great for beauty enthusiasts who want their first airbrush system, though I feel moderate cosmetics users will be able to enjoy the basic Luminess systems at half the price with the use of YouTube tutorials. In all, I've decided that airbrush makeup can be very practical in appearance and cost, and encourage anyone curious to try it out. Check out the Instagram video below for a little more info on how the EPIC works.<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says:<span style="color: #e06666;"> Let more of your skin, and natural beauty, show through airbrush makeup application.</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEe5jTCkQoI/VMQcaoPYN6I/AAAAAAAA1gI/LnW56KsE3Fo/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEe5jTCkQoI/VMQcaoPYN6I/AAAAAAAA1gI/LnW56KsE3Fo/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/tLXdHtO4o1/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">The new #LuminessAirEpic system is hear. Learning how to apply #eyeshadow with an #airbrush system has never been easier with built in video tutorials! #beauty #ontheblog soon!</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by Jenna Marie's (@mommatoldme) on <time datetime="2014-09-20T18:36:21+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 20, 2014 at 11:36am PDT</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/natural-airbrush-makeup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-3548826053461212193Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:29:00 +00002015-01-30T11:19:55.702-08:00cheesecakecookingDessertfoodieheart reciperecipesred velvetValentine's DayHow To Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars For Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars for Valentine's Day Dessert" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-nVuKSRjko/VMGBDlsI5zI/AAAAAAAA1b8/XrfiJ3sRSlY/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BO2.jpg" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Bake from the heart.</span></b></span></span><br /><br />Baking is something I have enjoyed since I was a young girl. The satisfaction of beginning with several mundane ingredients and finishing with a work of art that is not only tantalizing but wholly indulgent just speaks to my soul. I take pride in doing things 'by hand' and from scratch, whether it's sifting my flour or giving batter 200 stirs. Even in Momma's kitchen, making boxed brownies (the kind that was favored for a 'just ad water' recipe which enabled gratuitous spoon licking,) I would patiently mix the lumps and bubbles out of our batter until it was perfectly smooth. And, as I shoved an always crumbly, misshapen, square of brownie in my father face, as he arrived home, I would beam with pride, declaring, "I made these!"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPwAdjfUPyo/VMGBaUXCvKI/AAAAAAAA1cI/1drqV6iQRJE/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BA.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AogCXM7yjJw/VMGBaLnvDjI/AAAAAAAA1cE/w115Rj8iYTo/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BB.png"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AogCXM7yjJw/VMGBaLnvDjI/AAAAAAAA1cE/w115Rj8iYTo/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BB.png" /></a></div>But the end result is not the only satisfaction I find in baking. There are numerous techniques and methods that prove much harder to master than they sound. The trials and tribulations of substitutes, measurements, and appliances with finicky temperatures all provide a challenge I happily embrace. Then there's the rhythm of the kitchen how the measuring and prep to end result has a comforting ebb and flow; an exact science that must be done just right. In fact, baking IS a science. And one of my favorite recipes, Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars, clearly resembles this with mad scientist like preparation.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qULm-SIQALk/VMGBpPVHJwI/AAAAAAAA1cY/rS2lqXrQheI/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BC.png"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qULm-SIQALk/VMGBpPVHJwI/AAAAAAAA1cY/rS2lqXrQheI/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BC.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsCmQ-W7v2g/VMGBo1t0j7I/AAAAAAAA1cU/TBZ5biPyYbI/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BD.png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsCmQ-W7v2g/VMGBo1t0j7I/AAAAAAAA1cU/TBZ5biPyYbI/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BD.png" /></a></div>The Red Velvet portion of this particular recipe is more of a brownie in end result- and requires a thick batter that presents a very fun preparation. Because all the wet ingredients for the batter are combined, yet different densities, the level of microscopic separation in 'mixing' makes for an almost surreal and very romantic show. I like to play around, adding each wet ingredient into a different corner of the vegetable oil, watching the playful bubbles absorb the red food coloring with different intensities. Adding the milk last introduces tiny bubbles of white for added depth to your kitchen&nbsp; creation.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usABYxASIYg/VMGByvIWunI/AAAAAAAA1ck/SlxRLGUGlNc/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BE2.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FvNIDyvSl0/VMGBy2ZPs9I/AAAAAAAA1co/QdUE2ZARQZY/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BF.png" /></div>When the wet ingredients are introduced to the dry ingredients of your batter the Red Velvet mixture becomes quite elastic. It will hold shapes and forms for several seconds before sinking back to it's original form, and appears alarmingly thick and dough like, yet free flowing and malleable. I had fun mixing this batter with gloves (to prevent staining from the food coloring) and now any child would be equally transfixed by it's unique properties.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars for Valentine's Day Dessert" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tP9YmvmNM_k/VMGB5SYecyI/AAAAAAAA1c4/PiSOfCn4Jd0/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BI.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JbwO8o1uZ4/VMGB5Oj-5tI/AAAAAAAA1c0/TcMuWgKyxE8/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BJ.png"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JbwO8o1uZ4/VMGB5Oj-5tI/AAAAAAAA1c0/TcMuWgKyxE8/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BJ.png" /></a></div>Next, a portion of the red velvet batter gets gently spread into the bottom of a spring form pan, reserving a 3/4 cup for the final preparation step. Blending the cheesecake mixture is best done in a stand mixer, where it can be left unattended for several minutes to whip and fill with air. Refrain from licking the blade, though, there are eggs in this cheesecake batter! Next, I poured the cheesecake over the Red Velvet base and added the last of my milk to my reserve Red Velvet batter. This helps thin out the dough like mixture to allow easier dolloping. Evenly drop the remaining Red Velvet batter in rows of dots along the top of the Cheesecake layer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars for Valentine's Day Dessert" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wf4RwJcvDJA/VMGCSyIsY_I/AAAAAAAA1dU/tZQiJoAGV1c/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2Bk2.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next you are allowed more artistic creativity as you drag a butter knife through the red and white batters to create a romantic marble pattern that will sit atop your bars. Bake your pan for about 30 minutes at 350F, or until the outer edges begin to separate and brown. If the center of your cheesecake bars begins to crack or ripple you have cooked it a little too long and should remove the pan from the oven immediately. Allow cheesecake bars to cool entirely before cutting; use a stainless steel cookie cutter to cut shapes if desired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This dessert not only turns out satisfying to behold, but is equally indulgent in taste with a rich later of cheesecake atop; a small wedge is more than enough!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">I enjoy baking more than eating that which I bake!</span></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRRijn5loWU/VMGSrmvoNVI/AAAAAAAA1dk/UtUlQBuFbvc/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRRijn5loWU/VMGSrmvoNVI/AAAAAAAA1dk/UtUlQBuFbvc/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars for Valentine's Day Dessert" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WyNYrk4hsM/VMGCNjHW4jI/AAAAAAAA1dM/_d5DK1gcWgM/s1600/Red%2BVelvet%2BCheesecake%2BM.png" title="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>***Click here for printable <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mommatoldmeblog/red-velvet-cheesecake-bars?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" rel="nofollow">Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars</a> Recipe</i></b></div><a name='more'></a><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 C Flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 1/4 C Granulated Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 TBS Cocoa Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TSP Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 TSP Baking Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Large Eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 C Vegetable Oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 TBS Milk, Divided</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TBS Vanilla Extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TSP White Vinegar </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TBS (12-15 Drops) Red Food Coloring</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Cheesecake Layer:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">16 OZ Cream Cheese, Softened</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 C Granulated Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Large Eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TSP Vanilla</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Preheat Oven to 350F</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Grease a springform pan and dust with flour.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. I a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, 2 TBS milk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients until completely combined. The batter will be very thick, almost like a malleable dough. Remove 3/4 C of the batter and place it in a medium bowl. Whisk in the remaining 2 TBS milk to the 3/4 batter and set aside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared springform pan, gently pressing out towards the sides with a spatula.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy (about 2 MINS.) Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until combined and there are no lumps. Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of the red velvet batter and smooth until it reaches the edges.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining red velvet batter evenly across the cheesecake layer. Drag a butter knife in criss-cross motions across the top to create swirls.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Bake for 30 MINS at 350F, rotating halfway through. Bake until the center is set (no longer jiggles) and the sides begin to separate from the pan/brown. Cool entirely before cutting.</div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/red-velvet-cheesecake-bars.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-6537086563201245348Mon, 19 Jan 2015 20:51:00 +00002015-01-19T12:51:55.244-08:00digitalmediamovienetflixonlineromancestreamingtechValentine'sWhat I'm Streaming: In Your Eyes (2014), Netflix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: In Your Eyes (2014) Film, Netflix" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsW3NzVQ1_g/VL1ledwYsbI/AAAAAAAA1bM/kdNUfP-uMLs/s1600/in-your-eyes-movie-poster%2BA.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">True love is hard enough to believe without Vampires in the mix.</span></span></b></span><br /><br />If I used the term 'Supernatural Romance' today, you might be inclined to think of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Edward and Bella (Twilight Series) or The Time Traveler's Wife (2009). Many of you may have a natural reaction to put down this article right now, to stop reading altogether. After all, even the most famous and beloved Paranormal Romance film, Ghost (1990) featured the deceased Patrick Swayze wooing his grieving girlfriend, Demi Moore. I have a hard time wrapping my head round vampires and ghosts in love- no matter how great the actors portraying the romance, it always comes off as cheesy. And that's precisely why In Your Eyes&nbsp; (2014) is a refreshing twist to the Supernatural Romance genre.<br /><br />Something that had previously been reserved for over-the-top romance novels and science fiction, this particular genre is used ever so cleverly on an impressively natural level. Paranormal, in this case, deals more with the exploration of the tangible bond between two people who have never met. That is to say, if you believe in the existence of soul mates you are already on board with the plot's notion that two people destined to be together could in theory sense that connection no matter their distance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: In Your Eyes (2014) Film, Netflix" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NwO6IAIic5k/VL1mNQ0mMjI/AAAAAAAA1bU/7F86RJ8pUrc/s1600/in-your-eyes-main-review%2BC.png" title="" /></div>At 105 minutes, with a true cast of around 10 characters, <i>In Your Eyes</i> is&nbsp; genuine romantic film dedicated to portraying the story and love of two people who being the film as seemingly strangers. The actors, who have had some sucess on and off screen in minor roles are brilliantly cast within the clever quirks of their own characters. Playing with the classic romantic notion of forbidden love, Rebecca is the affluent wife of a medical researcher wasting away her life at cocktail parties and fundraisers while her on screen counterpart, Dylan, is an ex-con struggling to find himself. However the true compulsion to watch comes from the unique connection these otherwise strangers discover.<br /><br />It turns out both Dylan and Rebecca have in fact known each other, quite intimately, their entire lives. This discovery leads to a complicated and intense relationship between the two as they attempt to hold each-other up, despite the miles. While the tie that bonds them is a bit cheesy at some points the characters are quite endearing and the film will challenge you to smile, and even cry throughout it's ups and downs. The storytelling is shot beautifully, and it's not hard to find yourself falling in love with the characters.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="What I'm Streaming: In Your Eyes (2014) Film, Netflix" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayPl6YRzPJs/VL1mYvS3AuI/AAAAAAAA1bc/P1UBCD_My6w/s1600/in-your-eyes%2BB.png" title="" /></div>One of the successes of <i>In Your Eyes</i> is the beautiful soundtrack (which I in fact purchased) that brings the characters and the plot through it's ups and downs. Twinbed's <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-your-eyes-original-motion/id883478476#" rel="nofollow">The Trouble I'm In</a> is a haunting melody that so elegantly brings one of the film' most satisfying scenes to a climax while Eddie Ray's Glad I Found You helps steer one of the film's more playful scenes. The soundtrack is indeed as diverse as the emotions portrayed and the depth of each character is unmistakable as the viewer is helplessly drawn in.<br /><br />I would love to suggest <i>In Your Eyes</i> as a Valentine's Day stream for you and your sweetie, though most cynical men will have a hard time latching on to a film that otherwise reminds me of The Notebook. Consider watching this with some girlfriends, by yourself as a guilty please, or with a teen daughter (there really is nothing graphic.) And I must add that leading man, Micheal Stahl-David is simply smoldering as the hopelessly awkward and unaware bad boy turned hero! In all, the timing for this Netflix release proved just right and I look forward to owning a physical copy soon!<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">Characters Rebecca and Dylan are soul mates at their best!</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkPzdur8MrI/VL1tv5GO7PI/AAAAAAAA1bs/qWlmwrC7ibg/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkPzdur8MrI/VL1tv5GO7PI/AAAAAAAA1bs/qWlmwrC7ibg/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">&nbsp;</div><br /><br />http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/In-Your-Eyes-2014-film.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-6720628954205769772Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:09:00 +00002015-01-18T10:05:53.204-08:00cookingdinner solutionsFamily mealsfoodfoodieham and cheeserecipesBaked Ham + Cheese Wheels, They're What's For Dinner Tonight!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Baked Ham + Cheese Wheels With Dijon Glaze" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbIVzfDoYO4/VLmdwAq0J5I/AAAAAAAA1Zo/2EDlq_RAuB8/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BRa.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">I don't have all day to stand around in the kitchen!</span></span></b></span><br /><br />Some of my favorite childhood dishes were meals Momma whipped up with leftovers and a bit of ingenuity. They were haphazard, unlikely, meals that quickly became favorite weeknight solutions for their touch of gluttony and simple composition. There were the Tuesday night trash tacos made of just about any meat, veggie, or condiment Momma happened to have lying around in the fridge before doing the week's grocery shopping the following morning. Sometimes these 'tacos' included frozen chicken nuggets, flattened slices of bread ('tortillas') and even leftover Hamburger Helper. But my favorite was always the impromptu Bagel Pizza nights where I could build faces out of cheese and veggies under the premise we were having a family pizza night.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5I3V-1SBKE/VLmd-nehEnI/AAAAAAAA1Zw/VfdodufA3U0/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BA.png"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5I3V-1SBKE/VLmd-nehEnI/AAAAAAAA1Zw/VfdodufA3U0/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BA.png" /></a></div>My point here, folks, is that meals are what you make of them, quite literally. Whether you're a busy mom just trying to serve 3 squares a day, or a laid back millennial trying to find the motivation to cook for just 2 when reaching for TV trays seems so much more simpler. It's nice to sit down to a fine dining experience at home, from time to time, but it's equally as rewarding to know you didn't slave over a meal and it still turned out amazingly delicious. The secret? Minimal ingredients- the less ingredients you have to handle the more you can enjoy the flavor of each individual ingredient, the less time you spend handling the food in the kitchen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Baked Ham + Cheese Wheels With Dijon Glaze" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjU67nsgaSI/VLmeEaNr77I/AAAAAAAA1Z4/POOMshOjf4w/s1600/Ham%2BAnd%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BGIF.gif" title="" /></div>Refrigerated dough can be a lifesaver, providing countless meal hacks for the modern home cook. Did you know you can even get flat sheets of rolled 'pizza' dough in the cold case at your local supermarket? This past week Black Forest Honey Ham was on special at our neighborhood deli and I picked up a pound shaved extra thin for one of my favorite quick fix meals; Baked Ham + Cheese Wheels. I prefer the flavors of ham and Swiss, but you can also pair White Cheddar or even Provolone to suit your own tastes. Preparation is as simple as rolling out a refrigerated pizza crust into a rectangular shape, layering ham and cheese, and rolling tightly. Next cut 1.5" sections off of the roll and place your prepared wheels into a casserole baking dish.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kW6SZf6uA5U/VLmeLtCaROI/AAAAAAAA1aA/g_AMNpzl72k/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BH.png"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kW6SZf6uA5U/VLmeLtCaROI/AAAAAAAA1aA/g_AMNpzl72k/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BH.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Baked Ham + Cheese Wheels With Dijon Glaze" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LS4oJDVAiSY/VLmeL9JBFqI/AAAAAAAA1aE/wLKDX65YGmo/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BI.png" title="" /></div>The real magic to this recipe happens when you make the extra special glaze with Worcestershire Sauce, Butter, Dijon Mustard, Brown Sugar, and Poppy Seeds. Melt them together in a microwave safe measuring cup, stir well, and pour over the top of your prepared wheels. Let the glaze work it's way into the folds of the wheels and even pool down over the sides. Bake your Ham + Cheese Wheels in the oven for 20 MINS, or until the tops begin to turn a golden brown. We like our 'crust' a little chewy, don't be afraid to go extra golden for that flaky dough!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-33hAZHRdc/VLmebY2UkfI/AAAAAAAA1aQ/jy5SghFpXDE/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BN.png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-33hAZHRdc/VLmebY2UkfI/AAAAAAAA1aQ/jy5SghFpXDE/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BN.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Baked Ham + Cheese Wheels With Dijon Glaze" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDbcGSuekc4/VLmebqUdIwI/AAAAAAAA1aU/H2okXYcOecI/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BT.png" title="" /></div>Not only do these Ham + Cheese Wheels look have a gourmet appearance, but they're incredibly easy to make ahead and freeze. One recipe's worth serves the two of us for several lunches when refrigerated, or they may be frozen after cooking and thawed at a later time. I would even wager that these would taste delicious over an egg with a cup of coffee the first thing in the morning. The possibilities are endless but your taste buds will thank you!<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says:&nbsp; <span style="color: #e06666;">Flawless food doesn't have to take 5 hours.</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6x9I7_iL6Q/VLmlccVzfxI/AAAAAAAA1aw/5ggzW3Q9udA/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6x9I7_iL6Q/VLmlccVzfxI/AAAAAAAA1aw/5ggzW3Q9udA/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Baked Ham + Cheese Wheels With Dijon Glaze" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFXJCPZ82XI/VLmehStjV9I/AAAAAAAA1ag/ysblS-sQ57g/s1600/Ham%2Band%2BCheese%2BRolls%2BS.png" title="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Baked Ham + Cheese Wheels</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>***Click here for printable <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mommatoldmeblog/baked-ham-cheese-wheels?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" rel="nofollow">Baked Ham + Cheese Wheels</a> Recipe.</i></b></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Ingredients:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 LB Deli Sliced Thin Ham</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Can Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust</div><div style="text-align: center;">12 Slices Swiss (Provolone, Cheddar, etc) Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Stick Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 TBS Brown Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TBS Dijon Mustard</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TBS Poppy Seeds</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Preheat Oven to 350F</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Prepare a 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Unroll the pizza dough onto a cutting board and gently roll/press into an approximately 13 x 18" shape. Layer cheese slices side by side, slightly overlapping. Place an even layer of ham atop cheese slices.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Beginning with the longer side of the rectangle roll up to the edge, tightly. Gently pinch the seam of the dough together at flap. Cut into approximately 12 1.5" slices and place wheels side by side in prepared baking dish.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Melt butter in the microwave within a microwave safe container. Add brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, and poppy seeds&nbsp; and combine well. Pour glaze evenly over wheels.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Bake at 350F for 20-25 MINS or until tops have reached desired golden color.</div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/baked-ham-cheese-wheels.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-8239974988270510252Thu, 15 Jan 2015 19:42:00 +00002015-01-15T11:49:48.035-08:00air friedair fryerbanana splitcinnamon bananascookingdessert recipefoodieFried Banana Splithealthy cookinghealthy recipesrecipestechAn (Air) Fried Banana Split? They Do Exist! Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W Feature #AdI received an Avalon Bay Air Fryer for the purpose of this review. This post was made possible by <a href="http://www.momsparkmedia.com/" rel="nofollow">Mom Spark Media</a>. Thoughts are my own.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Enjoy an Air Fried Banana Split with Cinnamon Fried Bananas. This indulgent dessert is made healthier with the process of air frying, which super heats air for fast circulation around food in dry cooking. No oil or grease, and all the texture and flavor! #AvalonBayAirFryer #Ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xV51m96wsIw/VLgDy42YKWI/AAAAAAAA1Xc/iOyZYBJCb-o/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BPa.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">There's no such thing as 'healthy' fried anything.</span></span></b></span><br /><br />Many of you know I grew up in a household full of modern appliances and gadgets. It seemed, growing up, every other month there was a trip planned to the local Sears showroom or Dak outlet to shop for a new kitchen or home entertainment 'toy.' However, one thing we never had was an <a href="http://www.air-n-water.com/product/ab-airfryer100w.htm" rel="nofollow">Air Fryer</a>. Now, that may be in part due the fact my father, to this day, swears there is quite simply something 'not right' about calling a food 'fried' when it has not in fact been fried in a fat. Or perhaps it is because the very notion of 'fried' food has such a negative connotation, health wise, Momma never dared encourage the term be used on a regular basis.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Enjoy an Air Fried Banana Split with Cinnamon Fried Bananas. This indulgent dessert is made healthier with the process of air frying, which super heats air for fast circulation around food in dry cooking. No oil or grease, and all the texture and flavor! #AvalonBayAirFryer #Ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h09dV6MO5UA/VLgD8_95POI/AAAAAAAA1Xk/MZE0MZ7vBwU/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BBa.png" title="" /></div>Regardless, as a young girl, I made several attempts to bargain for fried foods, every year at the County Fair. In fact, there was an entire booth dedicated to frying the most delicious foods (most of them already quite sinful in themselves.) From funnel cakes and candy bars to deep fried Kool-Aid, I'd stare wide eyed up at the colorful list of treats. One year I felt I'd grown rather smart- I decided I would ask for the fried fruit basket, a selection of strawberries, bananas, and fried kiwis. Momma was quick to shoot that down, proclaiming, "There is no such thing as healthy fried food, it is ALL bad for you!"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJWcJHjuONs/VLgEDBLr3VI/AAAAAAAA1Xs/2RFIH47rk8M/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BA.png"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJWcJHjuONs/VLgEDBLr3VI/AAAAAAAA1Xs/2RFIH47rk8M/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BA.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hOXSIOsUkk/VLgEDTEPXDI/AAAAAAAA1Xw/v6MD2moGShE/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BC.png" /></div>As an adult I've always felt quite guilty putting a french fry in my mouth, or eating 'fast food' options I know are cooked in oil. At home I seek alternative recipes that often involve broiling and baking in the oven, but it's never quite the same. Let's just say, inevitably, one side of whatever I'm cooking always turns up more well done than another.<br /><br />Enter the Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W- A highly affordable, and compact, appliance who's only drawback has been the capacity of preparation allowed. I suspect, however, the compact size and 2-3 serving preparation lends itself to the efficiency of the air frying process. And just what is Air Frying? It's an entirely dry cooking process which uses a top grill to circulate heated air around the food of your choice via a suspended basket. This circulated air is so super-heated it surrounds every surface with an evenly distributed blanket of 'cooking' air.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The process for Air Frying Cinnamon Bananas with the Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W. #Ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2okCBSIwwPA/VLgEJkU70lI/AAAAAAAA1X8/toZ3of9yFbY/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BW100%2BGIF.gif" title="" /></div>You won't get the flavor my father attributes to 'fried' foods, but you will get efficiently cooked food with amazing texture, every time. Best of all the process is quite consistent, so not more burnt or dried pieces. And the unit itself is extremely intuitive to use, with a temperature guide located on the top, offering general heat and timing guidelines for common foods. Cooking can begin from a cold-start appliance, simply add 2-3 minutes to the timer and ensure that the proper temperate is set. The Avalon Bay Air Fryer 100W will do the rest!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UlLsNRfKQ8/VLgEO7Y3bkI/AAAAAAAA1YI/CD3jA8SEBEI/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BK3.png"><img alt="Enjoy an Air Fried Banana Split with Cinnamon Fried Bananas. This indulgent dessert is made healthier with the process of air frying, which super heats air for fast circulation around food in dry cooking. No oil or grease, and all the texture and flavor! #AvalonBayAirFryer #Ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UlLsNRfKQ8/VLgEO7Y3bkI/AAAAAAAA1YI/CD3jA8SEBEI/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BK3.png" title="" /></a><img alt="Enjoy an Air Fried Banana Split with Cinnamon Fried Bananas. This indulgent dessert is made healthier with the process of air frying, which super heats air for fast circulation around food in dry cooking. No oil or grease, and all the texture and flavor! #AvalonBayAirFryer #Ad" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBGtlLyGnKo/VLgEOqAXzLI/AAAAAAAA1YE/9QgMr4RrwAA/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BK2.png" title="" /></div>One of the first things I made with my new Air Fryer was what I call a Fried Banana Split. Using simply ingredients you likely already have in your pantry I added an amazing texture to a classic banana split by Air Frying Cinnamon Bananas. For a simulated 'fried' coloring you can even plan cook your bread crumbs in a Vegan Coconut Oil Spread prior to breading! Not only did the Honey Coconut Oil Spread smell amazing melting in the pan but it gave my air fried bananas the perfect color! The rest as as easy as dipping ripe bananas in flour, egg, and bread crumbs (we use Panko,) then dusting in cinnamon sugar. The <a href="http://facebook.com/airnwaterinc" rel="nofollow">Avalon Bay</a> Air Fryer did the rest!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Enjoy an Air Fried Banana Split with Cinnamon Fried Bananas. This indulgent dessert is made healthier with the process of air frying, which super heats air for fast circulation around food in dry cooking. No oil or grease, and all the texture and flavor! #AvalonBayAirFryer #Ad" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fo-Q1vBFGCQ/VLgEmEpcEUI/AAAAAAAA1YY/7dZiIXfcE9I/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BQ2.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Enjoy an Air Fried Banana Split with Cinnamon Fried Bananas. This indulgent dessert is made healthier with the process of air frying, which super heats air for fast circulation around food in dry cooking. No oil or grease, and all the texture and flavor! #AvalonBayAirFryer #Ad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qM3y4vyNsi4/VLgEl1NpywI/AAAAAAAA1YU/MepSHtfx6H8/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BR.png" title="" /></div>Always remember that your <a href="http://www.air-n-water.com/product/ab-airfryer100w.htm" rel="nofollow">Air Fryer</a> needs to 'dry cook' ingredients to work most effectively, so work with a dry-wet-dry pattern when breading foods. This will mean a flour, egg, crumb layer in most recipes. In just 10 minutes, from a cold-start appliance, our Cinnamon Air Fried Bananas were ready. I simply removed the Air Fryer tray, separated the basket via the easy lift button, and shook and excess crumbs through the basket's grate into the collection chamber below. And cleaning up the appliance took 2 minutes- no messy grease!<br /><br />Even if you're not a big banana person, these churro like bananas hit the spot, warm on the inside, against a pile of ice cream and fresh fruit. It's definitely the BEST way to enjoy a banana split with just a little extra indulgence and no extra guilt. In fact, you can cut up to 80% of the added fat out when air frying, over traditional oil based frying. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>What would you love to make first in an Air Fryer?</i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What Daughter Says:<span style="color: #e06666;"> Enjoy the fried texture without the fried guilt when you Air Fry.</span></span></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttBTwRxVJgs/VLgLKEpZK1I/AAAAAAAA1Y0/wWRaLknxGyo/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttBTwRxVJgs/VLgLKEpZK1I/AAAAAAAA1Y0/wWRaLknxGyo/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qhG6SqWFsok" width="660"></iframe> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Enjoy an Air Fried Banana Split with Cinnamon Fried Bananas. This indulgent dessert is made healthier with the process of air frying, which super heats air for fast circulation around food in dry cooking. No oil or grease, and all the texture and flavor! #AvalonBayAirFryer #Ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ognXHJqVAg/VLgE9E1qkqI/AAAAAAAA1Yk/7_GTYbRn804/s1600/Air%2BFryer%2BBananas%2BOa.png" title="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Air Fried Cinnamon Bananas</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>***Click here for printable <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mommatoldmeblog/air-fried-cinnamon-bananas?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" rel="nofollow">Air Fried Bananas</a> Recipe.</b></i></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 TBS Vegan Butter Substitute (Coconut Oil Works Well)</div><div style="text-align: center;">8 Ripe Bananas</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Whole Eggs OR 3 Egg Whites</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 C Corn Flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 TBS Cinnamon Sugar </div><div style="text-align: center;">1 C Bread Crumbs (Panko Preferred)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>&nbsp;Directions:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Heat butter substitute in pan on medium head and add bread crumbs. Stir 3-4 minutes, or until they have reached a light golden color. Remove from head and place in medium sized bowl.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Peel and halve your bananas. Roll each banana half in corn flour, eggs, and bread crumbs (in that order) and place side by side in air fryer basket in a single layer. Dust with Cinnamon Sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Set Air Fryer to 280F and timer to 10 MINS (from cold start, 7 for pre-heated.) Once done cooking remove air fryer bin and gently shake basket to remove any excess crumbs.</div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/Air-Fried-Banana-Split.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-7462829872849864718Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:14:00 +00002015-01-16T13:31:21.992-08:00#Ad#CollectiveBias#TreatThePupsCraftDIYDog Valentinesdogsfurniturehome decorMilk-BoneMilo's KitchenpetsPup-PeroniValentine's DayWalmartLove Is A Four-Legged Word, DIY Dog Cabinet- #TreatThePups This Valentine'sThis shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TreatThePups #CollectiveBias<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#TreatThePups this Valentine's Day with a D.I.Y Dog Cabinet- Turn a second-hand dresser into a pet bed and treat station with a few coats of paint and some Milk-Bone jars! A side table turned upside down or an oversized drawer with a large floor pillow will also double as a shabby chic dog bed when painted! Spread the love this Valentine's Day and find more inspiration with hashtag #TreatThePups and Big Heart Pet treats! #Ad #CollectiveBias" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j1bNTRUO8YE/VLYNMayCdDI/AAAAAAAA1VQ/yJ6NdD5TvfM/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BG7%2BPIN%2BFINAL%2B2.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Momma Told Me: </span><span style="color: #e06666;">Love is a four-legged word.</span></b></span></span><br /><br /><b><i>The month of love is almost upon us.&nbsp;</i></b><br /><br />I can think of few relationships in my life as selfless and unconditionally loving as those between my pets and I. Even growing up, Momma taught me that love between a human and&nbsp; pet should know no boundaries. Our family frequently took in pets from shelters which would have otherwise been put down due to serious medical needs. In several cases our family was there to provide a stray or mistreated animal with exclusive love and comfort in their final weeks. Compassion for animals, and respect for their gift of returned love was a very important lesson in my childhood.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Stock up on your pet's favorite Big Heart Pet brand treats, Pup-Peroni, Milk-Bone, and USA Made Milo's Kitchen at Walmart this Valentine's Day and #TreatThePups! #Ad #CollectiveBias" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7pI7bmk4kM/VLYVn5f-19I/AAAAAAAA1Vg/PQYOl8Y_bwM/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BBb.png" title="" /></div>It's no secret that, as an adult, I feel my pets today are akin to children; and enrich my life on an immeasurable scale daily. Truffles, the cat, has been in our family longest and was adopted as the runt of her litter from a local chicken farm. Nora, our Maltese-Yorkie mix has always been more of a daddy's girl, having instantly picked up on the bond between myself and the cat. But, at her core, she is a lover- just one of the happiest, most enthusiastic, people pleasing dogs I have ever met. Every time I run into Walmart to pick up a prescription or grocery item I am always sure to stop by the pet aisle and grab a treat for both of my fur kids. This month I decided to stock up on some of Nora's favorite Big Heart Brand Pet Treats, Pup-peroni, Milk-Bone, and Milo's Kitchen for an extra special <a href="http://wm6.walmart.com/Valentines-Day-Dogs.aspx" rel="nofollow">Valentine's Day Treat</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBPS_lnr_q8/VLYZn9rgQsI/AAAAAAAA1Vw/WqbgO2k5a4Y/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BA.png" /><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxf45QwNvDg/VLYZnioFy4I/AAAAAAAA1Vs/Jvq8xlTF0qc/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BA2.png" /></div>We will soon be gaining some extra space in our home when a tenant moves out and have decided to stop renting and simply enjoy all the extra space. Knowing this, I wanted to ensure the dog had her own defined area where she could retreat to when the cat was prowling the perimeter or the adults were merely having a lazy day. Because a big part of loving animals means giving back, we not only dropped some extra packages of Big Heart Brand Pet Treats to the local shelter, for&nbsp; donation, but I specifically shopped at a second hand store that also benefited the cause of homeless and needy local animals. It was there that I found the wooden entertainment cabinet that would prove perfect for Nora's Valentine's Day surprise, at just $25!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#TreatThePups this Valentine's Day with a D.I.Y Dog Cabinet- Turn a second-hand dresser into a pet bed and treat station with a few coats of paint and some Milk-Bone jars! A side table turned upside down or an oversized drawer with a large floor pillow will also double as a shabby chic dog bed when painted! Spread the love this Valentine's Day and find more inspiration with hashtag #TreatThePups and Big Heart Pet treats! #Ad #CollectiveBias" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2oO5MiUtHQ/VLYahm_sgOI/AAAAAAAA1V8/-ydKPEs05yU/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BD2.png" title="" /></div>Like most dogs, Nora has a personality all her own. Forgive the saying, but she's a bit of a stereotypical blonde- very bubbly and not always quite the sharpest. She's the sort of dog, if she could speak, she'd interrupt a very intelligent conversation with "Squirrel" and immediately get distracted by something crinkly or sparkly. And she's very girly, with an almost 80's flare. All her accessories are neon or pink and her favorite toys are Star Wars, Sock Monkeys, or Lamb Chop- a retro dog all the way. Even her favorite dog treat is slightly vintage- Milk-Bones, which have been beloved by pooches worldwide wince 1908 especially get her tail wagging!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#TreatThePups this Valentine's Day with a D.I.Y Dog Cabinet- Turn a second-hand dresser into a pet bed and treat station with a few coats of paint and some Milk-Bone jars! A side table turned upside down or an oversized drawer with a large floor pillow will also double as a shabby chic dog bed when painted! Spread the love this Valentine's Day and find more inspiration with hashtag #TreatThePups and Big Heart Pet treats! #Ad #CollectiveBias" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Car4N3n_wHQ/VLYcCyeepiI/AAAAAAAA1WI/orRKuS_afec/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BG7.png" title="" /></div>Turning a $25 Thrift Store Find into the perfect Dog Cabinet and lounge area for our small breed dog was quite simple. When we purchased the second hand furniture the hinged doors on the front were already missing. Knowing I wanted a safe place for Nora to be elevated off the ground, yet with a bed that was easily accessible, I made the design decision to move the center drawer down and remove the bar that had originally been supporting it. While I used spray paint to help give an aged and textured finish to the detailed and stained wood- applying 2 coats of interior paint by brush would have proved quicker. At the local hobby store we also found some vintage style knobs to hang her harness and leash, and on our recent trip stocking up on Valentine's Day dog treats at Walmart, some ribbon, jars, and additional accents to decorate with.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Stock up on your pet's favorite Big Heart Pet brand treats, Pup-Peroni, Milk-Bone, and USA Made Milo's Kitchen at Walmart this Valentine's Day and #TreatThePups! #Ad #CollectiveBias" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GjibvyGB60/VLYcWXBVXcI/AAAAAAAA1WQ/bTcAYS4ekBE/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BF.png" title="" /></div>Nora took to her new bed with ownership, the sometimes hesitant and timid (territory wise) dog knew this was just for her. Perhaps it was the overwhelming aroma of a cabinet stocked with the best dog treats- her little nose was going quite wild! In the shelf directly above her bed I'd arranged a virtual 'candy shop' of treats in jars from Pup-peroni Bacon and Egg Mix-Stix to all natural Made-In-The-USA <a href="http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=milos+kitchen" rel="nofollow">Milo's Kitchen</a> Chicken Jerky treats. I'd even discovered new Milk-Bone Brushing Chews to help clean gums and support dental health on a daily basis! Though I can imagine the only thing that truly mattered to Nora was which one she'd get to enjoy first!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Stock up on your pet's favorite Big Heart Pet brand treats, Pup-Peroni, Milk-Bone, and USA Made Milo's Kitchen at Walmart this Valentine's Day and #TreatThePups! #Ad #CollectiveBias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aRcNpiVlr8/VLYcj8qpCvI/AAAAAAAA1WY/xnUMg-0MHEU/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BH.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Stock up on your pet's favorite Big Heart Pet brand treats, Pup-Peroni, Milk-Bone, and USA Made Milo's Kitchen at Walmart this Valentine's Day and #TreatThePups! #Ad #CollectiveBias" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjPoNNp7CoU/VLYc4wtwIOI/AAAAAAAA1Wo/X4MiIORhFvo/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BJ2a.png" title="" /></div>With the presence of potentially harmful to dogs chocolate everywhere in the month of February, it is important that you #TreatThePups with a well defined range of treats especially approved for them. Whether you have an adorable dog cabinet or not, creating a space that is clearly identifiable by your dog as their own can help minimize the roaming of noses where they don't belong. Keep all human hart day treats in cupboards and well out of the reach of pets, and an inviting supply of quality Big Heart Pet brand treats on hand to reward the four-legged lovers in your life. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Stock up on your pet's favorite Big Heart Pet brand treats, Pup-Peroni, Milk-Bone, and USA Made Milo's Kitchen at Walmart this Valentine's Day and #TreatThePups! #Ad #CollectiveBias" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdca5bWmmLg/VLYdDDhIJmI/AAAAAAAA1Ww/0PRH7YbPtzk/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BY1.png" title="" /></div>February is a month of indulgence for humans. We present one-another with elaborate boxes filled with a variety of chocolates. Keep this in mind when shopping for your pet and craft a gift pack of treats as diverse as your favorite confections. Hard, dry, treats, such as several Milk-Bone varieties will naturally promote dental health with cleaner gums, while longer lasting chews like Pup-peroni will engage your dog a little longer and provide an aromatic eating experience. Last but not least, be sure to include a human grade treat, such as artificial free Milo's Kitchen brand pet treats, to help you connect with your pet through treats that resemble everyday human foods. You don't want to eat the same dessert every day, so why should your pet know only the flavors of one treat?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2am88HndymI/VLYdIhNj9KI/AAAAAAAA1W4/qOQtG4IGF6U/s1600/%23TreatThePups%2B%23Ad%2B%23CollectiveBias%2B%2BGIF.gif" /></div>Wet kisses, tail wags, fetching the morning paper, patrolling the home for security, that embarrassing hot dog costume from Halloween there are plenty of reasons to #TreatThePups this Valentine's Day and plenty of inspiration on the Walmart Big Heart Pet brand micro-site. Starting January 15th you'll be able to view the best Doggy Valentines, gift baskets, pet treat recipes, and more on the <a href="http://www.treatthepups.com/" rel="nofollow">Treat The Pups</a> landing page. If you think our doggy cabinet is a home run just wait until you see all the creative treats and gift ideas my fellow bloggers and pet parents have whipped up for the Valentine's Day season! While you're there, don't forget to print out a special pet-themed Valentine to attach to your dog's favorite pet treats!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Tell me a little about the non-human lovers in your life!</i></b></span></span></div><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says:&nbsp; <span style="color: #e06666;">I may not know 'I love you' in 50 breeds of 'Woof' but I do know the fastest way to a dog's heart is through their stomach!</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-FKdISiYik/VLa-ega8OKI/AAAAAAAA1XM/l9kmfG0r16M/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-FKdISiYik/VLa-ega8OKI/AAAAAAAA1XM/l9kmfG0r16M/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/xxmMvSO4oe/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">I'm working on a very special Valentine's Day project for Nora, a dog bed cabinet. All she seems to care about is where the jar of Milk Bone treats will go. Watch her reaction when I give her one and be sure to #TreatThePups this #Valentine's Day with Big Heart Pet Brand treats from Walmart! #ad #cbias #morkie #dogsofinstagram #furkids</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by Jenna Marie's (@mommatoldme) on <time datetime="2015-01-13T01:01:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 12, 2015 at 5:01pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/Treat-The-Pups-Valentines.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-6930296437117634668Tue, 13 Jan 2015 05:00:00 +00002015-01-15T12:48:28.955-08:00#cbias#DropShopAndOil#shopauto carecar carecarsnew yearPennzoilWalmartLife Hacks To Give Your Car A Fresh Start In 2015<i>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. </i><b><i data-redactor-tag="em">#DropShopAndOil</i><i> #CollectiveBias</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#DropShopAndOil Give your car a fresh start in 2015 with a Pennzoil Oil Change at your local Walmart automotive center. Cut down on sludge and pick up some affordable tools for our 4 Must Try Car Hacks! #ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04KvP1tomWM/VLQ_gqItg6I/AAAAAAAA1UM/QOVaGrssFEc/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BN3.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Take care of nice things if you want them to last!</span></b></span></span><br /><br />There are few areas of my life I feel like I have complete control over. As a busy millennial running a household, juggling creative ambitions, and working full time I rarely have time to counteract the tornado that is my family and tenants. Contrary to what you may think, my home is not picture ready 24/7, and I frequently get an anxiety attack just looking at the living room. I demand one place in my life that is crisp, organized, and running like a well oiled machine. Okay, it <i>is</i> a <a href="http://www.walmart.com/cp/Auto-Services/1087266">well oiled machine</a>- my car, a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo Charged is my little purple people mover. Not only is she the first newer car I've ever owned (let's not revisit my super sexy 1991 LeBaron,) but her leather interior proves the perfect stress free oasis. When I am in my car everything is <i>exactly</i> as it should be at all times.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="#DropShopAndOil Give your car a fresh start in 2015 with a Pennzoil Oil Change at your local Walmart automotive center. Cut down on sludge and pick up some affordable tools for our 4 Must Try Car Hacks! #ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRYAR1Pidd8/VLNR1FwkFhI/AAAAAAAA1S0/OQDl7J1qqs4/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BA.png" title="" /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So it's easy to convey how important taking care of my car is to me. This pretty purple </span></span>people mover is something I take pride in keeping clean and running well. I want her to be around for many years to come, so the first of the year marks a series of regular maintenance and check ups. Just like my home, I don't always have as much time as I'd like to focus on keeping up with these chores, so I choose to take my Purple PT to Walmart's Automotive Center where I can easily shop for the weekly groceries, pick up my prescriptions, and even grab that last minute birthday gift while my baby receives a fresh injection of 'sludge lesser' Pennzoil oil.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AequUcOHvRI/VLNSNZJdhhI/AAAAAAAA1S8/uSW31luVZMI/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BG.png"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AequUcOHvRI/VLNSNZJdhhI/AAAAAAAA1S8/uSW31luVZMI/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BG.png" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6KTyVbT-jE/VLNSNcnvlhI/AAAAAAAA1TA/XPFaiX9JPK4/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BL.png"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6KTyVbT-jE/VLNSNcnvlhI/AAAAAAAA1TA/XPFaiX9JPK4/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BL.png" /></a></span></span></div>I used to spend hours sitting around in the mechanic's waiting room at the big name oil change centers watching tele-novellas as I nodded off. Getting my car cleaned up and refreshed used to be a 2-day process. This year I was able to get all of my checklist cleared, and more, in just an afternoon. But first I had to swing by the local car wash- Here in SoCal we were asked to NOT wash our cars through the Summer and Fall, as we have been in a severe drought. Local car washes provide a more environmentally safe option to washing one's car with the use of advanced recycled and reclaimed water systems.<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="#DropShopAndOil Give your car a fresh start in 2015 with a Pennzoil Oil Change at your local Walmart automotive center. Cut down on sludge and pick up some affordable tools for our 4 Must Try Car Hacks! #ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULt894rUlwM/VLNSqIRRldI/AAAAAAAA1Tw/6yQu_Xw6_UY/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BE2.png" title="" /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;Next it was time to <span style="font-family: inherit;">head to Walmart where I c<span style="font-family: inherit;">an always drop my car off for one of several trusted <a href="http://www.dropshopandoil.com/" rel="nofollow">Pennzoil Oil Change Services</a> without an appointment. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Choosin<span style="font-family: inherit;">g Pennzoil <span style="font-family: inherit;">means <span style="font-family: inherit;">more friction protection for my engine and a chance to drive up to 5<span style="font-family: inherit;">50 more miles annually between changes.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>&nbsp; Being able to #DropShopAndOil all at the same also location means I don't waste valuable time twiddling my thumbs waiting for my car to hit the rack. Not only are the services more than competitive in pricing, but the <span style="font-family: inherit;">automotive</span> associate even handed us a car claim slip<span style="font-family: inherit;"> we could scan, at price checkers throughout the store, to<span style="font-family: inherit;"> follow</span> the status of our car while shopping!&nbsp; And shop we did- just check out some of the affordable and quick hacks I was able to put together with items f<span style="font-family: inherit;">oun<span style="font-family: inherit;">d at Walmart<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="#DropShopAndOil Grab some reusable bags for in door storage while you wait for your Pennzoil Oil Change at Walmart! #cbias #ad" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhN1ZkaYXCA/VLNSVS0CU4I/AAAAAAAA1TM/cvash9tddV4/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BF2.png" title="" /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>1. Reu</b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>sable Bags- </b></i>If you're like me, remembering to grab reu<span style="font-family: inherit;">sable bags when you head out the door<span style="font-family: inherit;"> has as good a probab<span style="font-family: inherit;">ility as remembe<span style="font-family: inherit;">ring whether you <span style="font-family: inherit;">plugged your phone in before bed last night. And then there are the times when you decide to 'just stop in' at a store for 'one <span style="font-family: inherit;">quick thing<span style="font-family: inherit;">,' and end up walking out juggling a handful of items because you felt guilty about using plastic bags. Keeping a stash of reusable totes and bags on hand in your car is a must. We use the side storage in our doors, but you may also f<span style="font-family: inherit;">ind a small<span style="font-family: inherit;"> plastic tub, or eve<span style="font-family: inherit;">n a 'bag bag' will <span style="font-family: inherit;">work fine in the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> trunk.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4_JPmt7Xs0/VLS45he7BOI/AAAAAAAA1Us/OCaV_AekRn0/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BI2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2. Combination Charger Cable And Trash Bag Station- This one looks advanced but it's really quite cheap and installs in minutes. Invest in a twin pack of Command sticky hooks and adecorative small gift bag. I grabbed both at Walmart for under $6. Clean off a smooth, relatively flat, surface along your center console with quick swipe of rubbing alcohol. Install the top hook traditionally, and the bottom hook upside down. Use the hooks to wrap up all those stray cellphone charger cables, and place your gift back in front, viola, combination charger cable and trash bag station! Place a plastic bag liner in your trash bag if your car trash tends to be sticky or wet. #DropShopAndOil #Ad #Cbias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4_JPmt7Xs0/VLS45he7BOI/AAAAAAAA1Us/OCaV_AekRn0/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BI2.png" title="" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><b><i>2. Combination Charger Cable And Trash Bag Station-</i></b> This one looks advanced but it's really quite cheap and installs in minutes. Invest in a twin pack of Command sticky hooks and a decorative small gift bag. I grabbed both at Walmart for under $6. Clean off a smooth, relatively flat, surface along your center console with&nbsp; quick swipe of rubbing alcohol. Install the top hook traditionally, and the bottom hook upside down. Use the hooks to wrap up all those stray cellphone charger cables, and place your gift bag in front, viola, combination charger cable and trash bag station!<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Place a plastic bag liner in your gift ba<span style="font-family: inherit;">g if your car<span style="font-family: inherit;"> trash tends to be sticky or wet<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="3. The Purse Organizer Storage System. I always seem to have a handful of 'necessities' rolling around my car. There's the pop up dog water bowl, super glue, tire pressure gauge, tissues, hand lotion, sunscreen, emergency water, bandaids and more. A $6 in purse organizer sleeve keeps all these things neatly tucked away and organized in door (or behind a seat, in the trunk shelf, etc.) If you're a bit more heavy duty, you can find larger purse organizers for little more and easily adapt those with even more 'emergency' tools. #DropShopAndOil #ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbOmbpcqLsw/VLNSf_rqhsI/AAAAAAAA1Tc/rEzaF4ze060/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BH2.png" title="" /></span></span></div><i><b>3. The Purse Organizer Storage System</b></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>.</b></i> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I always seem to have a handful of 'necessities' rolling around my car. There's the pop up dog water bowl, super glue, tire pressure gau<span style="font-family: inherit;">ge, tissues, hand lotion, sunscreen, emergency water, band aids<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and more. A $6 in-purse organizer sleeve keeps all these things neatly tucked away and organized in do<span style="font-family: inherit;">or (or <span style="font-family: inherit;">behind a seat, in the trunk shel<span style="font-family: inherit;">f, etc<span style="font-family: inherit;">.) I<span style="font-family: inherit;">f</span> you're a bit more heavy duty, you can find larg<span style="font-family: inherit;">er p<span style="font-family: inherit;">urse organizers for a few dollars more and<span style="font-family: inherit;"> easily adap<span style="font-family: inherit;">t those with additional&nbsp;<span style="font-family: inherit;">'emergency' tools.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="4. Silicone Baking Cup Catch-Alls. One of the first places to get visibly dirty in my car is always the cup holders. Somehow every piece of lint, dust, french fry crumbs, and loose change all end up sliding around those plastic cut-outs. For $3 in the baking department at Walmart I scored a 5 pack of silicone baking cups that were perfect to line my cup holders. Not only do these easily bend to accommodate beverages and cups, but I can take these out and wash them ANY time, no more digging around with damp clothes and vacuum hoses! #DropShopAndOil #Ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FTVt-9_9C4/VLNSjZOD2jI/AAAAAAAA1Tk/kzDoY_3hDao/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BJ2.png" title="" /></span></span></div><i><b>4. Silicone Baking Cup Catch-Alls.</b></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b> </b></i>One of the first places to get visibly dirty in my car is alw<span style="font-family: inherit;">ays the cup holders. Somehow every piece of lint, dust, french f<span style="font-family: inherit;">ry crumbs, and loose change all end up sliding around those pla<span style="font-family: inherit;">stic cut-outs. For $3 in the baking department at Walmart I <span style="font-family: inherit;">scored a 5 pack of <span style="font-family: inherit;">silicone baking cups that were perfect to line my cup holders. Not only do these easily bend to <span style="font-family: inherit;">accommodate beverages and cups, but I can take these out and wash them ANY time, no more digging around with damp clothes and <span style="font-family: inherit;">vacuum</span> hoses<span style="font-family: inherit;">! And how great is that <span style="font-family: inherit;">purple color? These&nbsp;<span style="font-family: inherit;">ma<span style="font-family: inherit;">t<span style="font-family: inherit;">ch my car perfectly!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="#DropShopAndOil Give your car a fresh start in 2015 with a Pennzoil Oil Change at your local Walmart automotive center. Cut down on sludge and pick up some affordable tools for our 4 Must Try Car Hacks! #ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FdADJes4Mgk/VLNSveYCHFI/AAAAAAAA1T8/C0mvfYSED10/s1600/%23DropShopAndOil%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BStore%2BQ.png" title="" /></span></span></div>By the time my baby was ready for pick-up I was excited to integrate all of my new-found car hacks into it's overhaul for the new year. My car truly is my sanctuary and the convenience of an oil change service is only paralleled by the piece of mind knowing that my Pennzoil High Mileage service helps to reduce leaks and oil consumption in worn or higher mileage engines. It's a motor oil that is specifically designed for new or late model vehicles with over 75,000 miles, to help keep the engines running clean and going strong for a long time so I can get back to what really matters- cranking up the stereo and cruising the Pacific Coast Highway!<br /><br />Drive into any Walmart Automitive Center today, no appointment needed, and give your car a fresh start for 2015! Pennzoil also offers a free warranty that covers 15 engine parts that may fail due to engine wear or which experience abnormal wear due to friction. (For more information, check out the <a data-original-title="" href="http://pennzoilwarranty.com/login/" rel="nofollow" title=""><u>Pennzoil Warranty Site</u></a>.) <b><i>What could you get done while waiting to get your oil changed at Walmart?</i></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">My car is my rolling sanctuary- I treat it like a temple inside and out!</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFHAl4lOQVY/VLRKYo5kHYI/AAAAAAAA1Uc/dK5ubphhVGQ/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFHAl4lOQVY/VLRKYo5kHYI/AAAAAAAA1Uc/dK5ubphhVGQ/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/xkOtpZO4pq/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">With the New Year here, now's the perfect time to show your car a little love and #DropShopAndOil with Walmart's convenient Auto Care centers! I took my car in for a Pennzoil high mileage oil change and got the grocery shopping done- this handy ticket was scannable at any price checker, so we could easily watch the status of our car as we shopped! #ad #cbias</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Jenna Marie's (@mommatoldme) on <time datetime="2015-01-07T20:26:33+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 7, 2015 at 12:26pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/Car-Tips-For-The-New-Year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-841460996189128064Sat, 10 Jan 2015 21:57:00 +00002015-01-12T14:12:34.246-08:00blueberry pieblueberry recipecustard piedessertsfoodiepierecipesGrimm's Fairy Tales + Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwV3b_gcUdc/VKw_y3hrH8I/AAAAAAAA1PI/ZH-agDXAmw0/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BXa.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">When the pie was opened, the birds began to sing.</span></span></b></span><br /><br />When I was a young girl, no older than 4 or 5, Momma would call me into her bed each night (thinking back my bedtime was probably 4 or 5 in the afternoon, but I digress) to read me a story from the official <i>Grimm's Fairy Tales</i> compilation. It was a large paperback book with more pages than any I had seen before, outside perhaps Merriam Webster's Dictionary, and out of the top smiled a Persian cat bookmarking where we had last dropped off. Now these weren't the colorful storybook fairy tales of traditional childhood, these were the unabridged, dark and brooding adaptations much closer to the originals. And, while some might question Momma's thinking in choosing to share these from such a young age, I assure you she always read ahead to lighten the darker parts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BInKQ74TVNA/VKw__KwPRdI/AAAAAAAA1PQ/SZTpNcfddhM/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BA.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JQV-ALGyeY/VKw__SIoy0I/AAAAAAAA1PU/zSxsECDHK6g/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BD.png" title="" /></div>Naturally, as a little girl who knew that Disney's fairy tales and Grimm's actual tales were far from one in the same- that at the end of <i>The Little Mermaid</i> Ariel is in fact offered a knife to kill her beloved prince and return to the sea, and much like the modern <i>Into The Woods</i> feature film indicates the stepsisters in Cinderella did indeed cut off parts of their feet in an attempt to fit them into the Prince's slipper. Morbid as this may seem, my ultimate point is that fairy tales were never intended for children at all- many of the stories we have sweetened up with fairies and talking mice were in fact meant as cautionary tales to bored adults and the men and women of the king's court.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TRlJgBZPp0/VKxAMcratZI/AAAAAAAA1Pg/ZvXAc9hayFc/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BE.png"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TRlJgBZPp0/VKxAMcratZI/AAAAAAAA1Pg/ZvXAc9hayFc/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BE.png" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyapKAI3IFM/VKxAMjc6dXI/AAAAAAAA1Pk/qkmkr5vADgs/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BG.png" title="" /></div>What does this have to do with Blueberry Pie, you ask? Well, after recently watching, and thoroughly enjoying, Into The Woods in theaters this past holiday, I was reminded of the Grimm's fairy tales my mother used to read before bedtime. One in particular stood out- the tale behind the nursery rhyme 'Sing A Song Of Sixpence,' perhaps one of the first retold recollections of an animated pie. While historians gather the actual pie was likely of minced meat, it is more colorfully told that blackbirds swiftly emerged from the crust of this berry pie, when placed before the king. As crazy as it sounds, and an element of the tale that seems more exaggerated rather than real there are numerous accounts of 13th century pies bursting of living creatures from birds and small animals to actual tiny humans (dwarfs.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1s1iMqAjxo/VKxA6VRj3sI/AAAAAAAA1P4/our0AY5ePvI/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BJ.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, while I wasn't about to craft any 4 foot pies with small animals inside, I was inspired to try my hand at a traditional storybook pie- Blueberry with a Winter comfort twist. I'll be honest, I've only ever used blueberries in scones, and never handled fresh blueberries (primarily because they can be so expensive,) so I was a bit nervous when I set out. I happened to have 2 deep dish pie shells in the freezer from the holidays (so I can't take credit for those) which especially motivated me to get in the kitchen yesterday and give this recipe a try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yryBOTUmTaY/VKxBA-6CvgI/AAAAAAAA1QA/u_b4XIEK94k/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BP2.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWR9K03YViA/VKxBBTHboMI/AAAAAAAA1QE/JLk59iD564k/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BP.png" title="" /></div>I'm no Martha Stewart, but there is something inspiring about working with fresh ingredients- watching the rich blue berries cook to a beautiful&nbsp; purple. Naturally, halfway through baking I remembered I didn't own a pie crust shield (hard to believe, right) and had to emergency tent my crust rim to keep it from overcooking. Thankfully that worked like a charm, a few scalded knuckles later. I was skeptical about the streusel topping, but 20 minutes cooling on the window sill, in true storybook fashion, and this pie looked picture perfect- no small animals harmed in the making!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AuDtQSsKLo/VKxBc6KrAwI/AAAAAAAA1QQ/6qR1PeX2Zm4/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BN.png" title="" /></div>So try this Blueberry Custard Pie hot or cold (it was the biggest hit cold in our house,) and bake an extra to gift for a friend or neighbor- jut leave the birds out. As far as pie making goes this recipe's pretty straight forward, but the comfort level of a heaping slice does wonders after a long day. <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>What was your favorite fairy tale growing up- what would you love to grab a slice and curl up while reading?</b></i></span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">This recipe is sure to put smiles on your guests faces, no animals harmed int he making.</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-varyfRS-UNY/VKxXFi_JwEI/AAAAAAAA1Qo/Ivga6NrYwIk/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-varyfRS-UNY/VKxXFi_JwEI/AAAAAAAA1Qo/Ivga6NrYwIk/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blueberry Custard Pie Recipe" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_rBtLhiU04/VKxBlBkpsiI/AAAAAAAA1QY/3BbwX2-GrRw/s1600/Blueberry%2BCustard%2BPie%2BV.png" title="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blueberry Custard Pie</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>***Click here for printable <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/mommatoldmeblog/blueberry-custard-pie?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&amp;showPrintDialog=1" rel="nofollow">Blueberry Custard Pie</a> recipe.</i></b></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">8 OZ Sour Cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 C Granulated Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 TBS Flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TSP Vanilla Extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TSP Nutmeg </div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 TSP Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 C Fresh Blueberries</div><div style="text-align: center;">9 Inch Deep Dish Pie Crust (Unbaked)</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;1/2 C Brown Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 C Flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 C Butter, Softened (not Melted)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 C Chopped Pecans</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Preheat Oven to 400F </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. In a large bowl combine Sour Cream, 3/4 C Sugar, Egg, 3 TBS Flour, Nutmeg, Vanilla Extract, and Salt, until even. Gently fold the blueberries into the mixture and spoon the filling into the crust.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Bake in preheated oven, at 400F, for 25 MINS.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. While the filling bakes, prepare the streusel topping. In a medium bowl combine brown sugar and flour. Cut butter into the mixture and combine with two forks in 'slicing' motions until even and crumbly (like sand.) Fold in chopped pecans and crumble over baked pie filling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Return the pie to the oven, with a crust shield or foil crust tent, for 15-20 minutes, or just until topping begins to turn golden brown.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Remove pie from oven and let sit 10-15 MINS before serving warm- or chill and serve cold. </div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/grimms-fairy-tales-blueberry-custard.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6684438489684900452.post-1752879068664516680Fri, 09 Jan 2015 05:00:00 +00002015-01-09T00:23:49.562-08:00#cbias#GetPocketAvatars#shopapplicationsappsGoogle PlayIntelmessagingsmartphonesstickerstechtextingEmojis Are So Yesterday, #GetPocketAvatarsThis shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GetPocketAvatars #CollectiveBias<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#GetPocketAvatars and begin messaging in a whole new way. Play with virtual avatars to record interactive messages for friends and family! Find the Pocket Avatars application in the Google Play or Apple App Store.#ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBfVFPHdAU/VK21HK4EeAI/AAAAAAAA1RA/R8b-IS09oDU/s1600/%23GetPocketAvatars%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BPhone%2BA2a.png" title="" /></div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Momma Told Me: <span style="color: #e06666;">Communicate with words, not faces!</span></b></span></span><br /><br />I still remember how 'cool' America Online was back when it first became a thing- you know, when it WAS the internet. Every night after dinner I'd crawl into my father's executive chair and struggle to push back his roll-top desk to log into the online subscription service known as Prodigy and explore a virtual world of interactive games and chat rooms. Naturally, the internet was just evolving, so there wasn't as much awareness for children online as there is now, but I assure you my parents kept a watchful eye and only permitted me to interact in complete anonymity in age appropriate environments. But I digress, this was before the age of smartphones and my form of texting was through a very basic customizable <a href="http://www.pocketavatars.com/" rel="nofollow">avatar</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#GetPocketAvatars and begin messaging in a whole new way. Play with virtual avatars to record interactive messages for friends and family! Find the Pocket Avatars application in the Google Play or Apple App Store.#ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPv_AHUe8xY/VK21S_0QeDI/AAAAAAAA1RI/uIE1j50E6-M/s1600/%23GetPocketAvatars%2B%23CollectiveBias%2B%23Ad%2BPhone%2BP2.png" title="" /></div>Today Sabrina, 12, believed I was referencing a feature film when I used the term avatar in a passing conversation. Today's youth have become so accustomed to Smilies and Emojis they hardly know what it means to communicate through a secondary face like an avatar. Without fail, when I recently gifted Sabrina with her first smartphone for the recent holiday I was immediately asked to help her download multiple applications full of smiling panda and food icons for her to communicate with. Hooray, another way for our modern youth to communicate without a single word, right?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#GetPocketAvatars and begin messaging in a whole new way. Play with virtual avatars to record interactive messages for friends and family! Find the Pocket Avatars application in the Google Play or Apple App Store.#ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyH3nokGSI8/VK21bJA49YI/AAAAAAAA1RQ/Dp2gOtfl6aU/s1600/%23GetPocketAvatars%2B%23Ad%2B%23CollectiveBias%2BGIF.gif" title="" /></div>After a few weeks I grew tired of trying to decipher her long distance messages full of strings of objects and cartoon characters so I sent her an invitation to download a different kind of app; Pocket Avatars. This free to download application is available through the Google Play and the (Apple) App Store with complimentary use and the option to purchase additional in app content. It acts as a secondary SMS browser within your phones functionality and will allow you to communicate via text, images, video, and recordings just like your phone's standard SMS service. In our case this proved to be a very easy to use and quick messaging application that bypasses the sometimes slow image download of our phone's MMS (multimedia messaging) data network.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#GetPocketAvatars and begin messaging in a whole new way. Play with virtual avatars to record interactive messages for friends and family! Find the Pocket Avatars application in the Google Play or Apple App Store.#ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lsOZyzZIlRg/VK21oAFzZCI/AAAAAAAA1Rc/344yBTG-33k/s1600/%23GetPocketAvatars%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BPhone%2BC.png" title="" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#GetPocketAvatars and begin messaging in a whole new way. Play with virtual avatars to record interactive messages for friends and family! Find the Pocket Avatars application in the Google Play or Apple App Store.#ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JWkmiP2ntg/VK21oNqBkwI/AAAAAAAA1RY/YyWHtpC1OKQ/s1600/%23GetPocketAvatars%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BPhone%2BE.png" title="" /></div>But Pocket Avatars also lets you do one very cool thing you won't find anywhere else- record messages using real time facial tracking for an interactive cartoon message that is unlike anything else. You can even choose to slow down or speed up your voice recording to add an extra element of fun to the library of <a href="http://intel.ly/1vZLvsf" rel="nofollow">Pocket Avatars</a> characters. It's as easy as choosing an avatar/character from the gallery of free and paid characters, centering your face in the on screen recording box, and pressing the record button while you speak your message. You can tilt your head, move the hone further and closer, and even capture facial expressions while recording to truly bring your avatar message to life!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#GetPocketAvatars and begin messaging in a whole new way. Play with virtual avatars to record interactive messages for friends and family! Find the Pocket Avatars application in the Google Play or Apple App Store.#ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dN4zzrpA1Qk/VK21vFPOX9I/AAAAAAAA1Ro/RPtA4Meg3PQ/s1600/%23GetPocketAvatars%2B%23Ad%2B%23Cbias%2BPhone%2BK.png" title="" /></div>while different avatars take on their own personality with various levels of facial complexity, I found I could successfully record truly animated live action expressions, such as the tongue and wink above. It didn't take long for Sabrina to become addicted. Within minutes I had several Pocket Avatar messages, and even a new message request from her best friend! The two were sending myself and her mother recorded messages for hours! Their favorite thing to do turned out to be playing with puns and remixing favorite pop culture songs to match the personality of the avatars. How often can you say a Hamburger singing Taylor Swift turned up in your text message inbox?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#GetPocketAvatars and begin messaging in a whole new way. Play with virtual avatars to record interactive messages for friends and family! Find the Pocket Avatars application in the Google Play or Apple App Store.#ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7Q1NNyPdiM/VK216GWjvOI/AAAAAAAA1Rw/LAAhA2eaxtE/s1600/GetPocketAvatars%2BAd%2BCollectiveBias%2BR.png" title="" /></div><br />I thought the Pocket Avatars application would get boring quick, but the option to group message and use the app for traditional text and image messaging really keeps the party alive. You can actually get quite advanced with your facial expressions and emoting through the avatars if you practice! I'll admit, I found myself throwing in hand gestures and twirls while recording a few times forgetting the only thing moving on screen was my cartoon face- Whoops! A little <i>too</i> into it if you ask me!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="#GetPocketAvatars and begin messaging in a whole new way. Play with virtual avatars to record interactive messages for friends and family! Find the Pocket Avatars application in the Google Play or Apple App Store.#ad #cbias" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6qOKZdwPsY/VK219vufAhI/AAAAAAAA1R4/WvazYbJvQvE/s1600/GetPocketavatars%2BAd%2BCollectiveBias%2BS.png" title="" /></div>The gallery of Avatars continues to grow every day, and the addition of paid licensed characters and celebrities (for a nominal one time fee) really help keep the fun alive. Personally, I'm just glad to actually hear communications from Sabrina again- I may have to listen to a monkey with a chipmunk voice but at least she's talking! Check out a message clip from a conversation we had about who had the better hairstyle that day, then head on over to follow Pocket Avatars on <a href="https://twitter.com/pocketavatars" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> and stay up to date with the newest Avatars and hilarious messages. <span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Who do you know that would enjoy communicating with Pocket Avatars the most?</i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Daughter Says: <span style="color: #e06666;">Communicate with words AND faces when you download Pocket Avatars!</span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCXV4QB-iGU/VK4idKxabKI/AAAAAAAA1SM/ihbJHqcgWBI/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCXV4QB-iGU/VK4idKxabKI/AAAAAAAA1SM/ihbJHqcgWBI/s1600/sig.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="620" height="566" class="BLOG_video_class" id="BLOG_video-af4817665f29cf8e" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/get_player"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="flashvars" value="flvurl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Daf4817665f29cf8e%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dblogger%26app%3Dblogger%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%3Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1427476943%26sparams%3Dip,ipbits,expire,id,itag,source%26signature%3D7C788824DCE8342D136A3D15EE640ABC63A7B52E.4A825EF44D5A77E50300E8E571B80431FED72587%26key%3Dck2&amp;iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3Daf4817665f29cf8e%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3DVWnATmKRI_gbj0A2lN0wCRnOUXA&amp;autoplay=0&amp;ps=blogger"><embed src="//www.youtube.com/get_player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="566" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="flvurl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Daf4817665f29cf8e%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dblogger%26app%3Dblogger%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%3Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1427476943%26sparams%3Dip,ipbits,expire,id,itag,source%26signature%3D7C788824DCE8342D136A3D15EE640ABC63A7B52E.4A825EF44D5A77E50300E8E571B80431FED72587%26key%3Dck2&iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3Daf4817665f29cf8e%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3DVWnATmKRI_gbj0A2lN0wCRnOUXA&autoplay=0&ps=blogger" allowFullScreen="true" /></object></div>http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2015/01/Pocket-Avatars.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenna Wood)15